Relief and delight as Boks march on to series decider in PE
It was pure relief and delight for Allister Coetzee as he guided the Springboks to their first victory in his tenure as coach on Saturday.
The Boks levelled the three-match series against Ireland at Ellis Park with a 32-26 victory on Saturday night following a disheartening defeat in Coetzee's first test as coach of the South African national side.
It took resilience and a gallant fightback for the Boks to clinch victory in the end after starring down defeat having been 3-19 at half-time at Ellis Park.
“You've just lost your first test in Cape Town‚ personally as coach and captain‚ it was quite tough‚” admitted Coetzee.
“To win your first test‚ I must say‚ it's really satisfactory. I'd say it's 100 percent relief and 100 percent delight.”
Frustration and diminishing hope could be sensed halfway through the match on Saturday‚ and this was confirmed by the fans on the stands booing the Boks off the field as they headed for the dressing room at the half-time break.
Coetzee took charge with some brutal honesty in the changeroom with his players and he also stamped his authority by making immediate and crucial changes before the team went back onto the field for the second half.
It paid dividend as an instant change in the team's demeanour and performance was evident‚ with his charges fighting until the end to save the series.
“I was not happy with the work ethic in the first half‚” said the coach.
“The work ethic was terrible‚ and I told them in no uncertain terms at half time that we have to step up our work rate.
“We are open‚ honest and frank with each other in the changeroom. When we spoke about the work ethic‚ I mentioned the players by name‚ and we need to get that right. The players responded to that. That is all I am looking for. It is not what I say‚ but how they respond to the messages.
“From [captain] Adriaan's [Strauss] side it was clear and concise and the players responded. That is why I am happy with this group of players – they are coachable and respond when there is adversity. Not many teams can work themselves out of a dark hole like this one did‚ it's a really special team.”
Going into the final test of the series in Port Elizabeth next weekend‚ which will be the series decider‚ Coetzee remains positive.
While there may be criticism towards some of the senior players in the team who have failed to fire in the past two matches – particularly flanker Francois Louw‚ No8 Duane Vermeulen‚ fullback Willie le Roux and wing Lwazi Mvovo – the coach still backs his charges‚ also admitting that he will reward those players who have performed exceptionally.
“I always look at a team as 23 not just 15. I also don't look at it that 'you got your chance now you're out' – no‚” said Coetzee.
“We see it as a group effort and I will always stick to my guns. Yes‚ I will reward players who have played well‚ and I will make sure that players who have not played well understand that they are part of a squad and will get a chance again.”
Playing in the Eastern Cape‚ where Coetzee's playing and coaching career began‚ will be a special occasion.
However‚ the coach is taking the emotions out of it‚ opting to focus on the more important issue at hand – winning the series.
“What I have learnt is to take it as it comes. I think we want to start from zero on Monday‚” the coach said.
“Normally as Springboks we don't just get excited by beating a team. We will wait for the right time to show that emotion.
“The war is not won yet‚ the battle was won [on Saturday night]. We are going to PE‚ we will take all the emotion out. A 60 to 80 minute performance‚ that is what we are looking for.”
