Coach sidesteps issues
PROUDFOOT: THE SPRINGBOKS DO THEIR TALKING ON THE FIELD, NOT OFF IT
Cornered yesterday on the eve of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, Springbok forwards coach Matt Proudfoot opted to tread lightly around offfield issues, which were supposedly tarnishing the image of the national side.
Among the recent incidents which had rattled the sport, Eben Etzebeth was linked to an alleged racist encounter, and wing Aphiwe Dyantyi had returned a positive doping test.
“I think the image of South African rugby is on the field,” Proudfoot said, side-stepping the issues. “I’m a forwards coach. That’s something for the administrators to answer. I don’t have the information to answer that.”
Proudfoot said the Bok players were tested regularly for performance-enhancing substances.
“Probably six to eight players will be tested on an off day prior to every one of our Bok camps, and right the way through the Rugby Championship,” he said.
Proudfoot preferred to focus on Saturday’s big All Black Test, and wondered if the opposition were playing mind games with regards to their star lock Brodie Retallick.
Retallick dislocated a shoulder in their recent Rugby Championship clash against the Boks in Wellington and the All Blacks hinted he might be considered only for their final pool match against Italy. However, Proudfoot said they were preparing as though he was playing.
“[All Black coach] Steve Hansen said he had a full squad to pick from, so I won’t be surprised if he has a trick up his sleeve,” said Proudfoot.
He believed their opponents would have worked out new plans to counter the Boks’ pressed defence, which worked well in their 16-16 draw in Wellington.
“We’re expecting a new variation to their execution,” he said.
The All Blacks were an intelligent squad, he felt, and would bring something new to the party after working on various aspects of their attack.
“There’s been quite a bit of evolution in that area of their game and they’re too good a side not to continue their evolution.”