Mapoe the main middle man
BOKS: MAPOE FRONT RUNNER TO WEAR NO 13 JERSEY
Coetzee expected to make one change for second Test.
Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee and his backline coach Franco Smith are on the same page when it comes to naming Lionel Mapoe at outside centre in the place of the injured Jesse Kriel.
In the only change expected to be named today, Mapoe will replace Kriel who is ruled out with concussion, for Saturday’s second French Test in Durban.
“Me and Allister think out of the same hat and I played 12 myself and 12 and 10 are big decision-making roles,” said Smith.
“We want to shift a decision-making role a bit wider to 13 and for a player coming into a more settled backline than last week would be a bit easier,” said Smith.
But Smith believes that Kriel’s injury will spread the depth in the squad a bit wider.
“It is a bit of bad luck, but going forward we are going to need a lot of players who have developed in each role,” he said. “And outside backs is an area where we can always do with another number.”
Mapoe, Frans Steyn and Francois Venter, who has just joined the squad, could benefit from additional exposure.
“Activity in that role is important, so a guy like Lionel, Francois or Frans, anybody that can come in will make that step-up I’m sure,” he said.
“And use their opportunity and a new energy especially among the backs is important.”
Smith said it’s a pity Kriel didn’t have more time to settle in the outside centre position.
“We all would have liked to see Jesse out there for another week, to build on the performance for one. I think he did very well and just to settle in the 13 jersey. He has been playing between fullback and centre and at this level continuity is important.”
The Springboks are expecting the French to be much better prepared for Saturday’s second Test in Durban, believes Bok backline coach Franco Smith. Because the Boks had five uncapped players at Loftus last week and adopted a new playing style it could have taken the French offguard, said Smith.
“They will have a fresh approach in their play, while we were a bit of a dark horse for them,” said Smith.
“They didn’t quite know how we were going to play and they will make a few plans to adapt to our way of playing.”
While they will recall seven of their first-choice players who were rested last week, Smith said they are a proud rugby nation and would have been hurt by the 37-14 defeat.
“I know the French quite well, I know from experience they will try to hit back. I know they will be more physical and there will definitely be a few changes in their side,” said Smith.
But he added the Boks also realised they left a few tries on the field.
“Four or more tries went a-begging, there were linebreaks from Siya Kolisi and Oupa Mohoje right in the beginning when he got within two metres of the tryline.
“The Loftus surface was uncharacteristically very firm and the ball bounced higher than expected like the one that bounced over Courtnall Skosan’s head might have been a good opportunity.
“And then one or two times when the ball didn’t stick when we created the space.”
But Smith said what delighted him was the opportunities created.
“I don’t coach what could’ve happened but what we can make happen that’s important. It’s a really nice confidence builder that we are creating the space at this level,” he said. “And with all teams it’s about making those things gel so that we can use those opportunities a bit more.”