Boks need ‘massive improvement’

Coetzee wants leaps and bounds in improvements, not small steps

Springbok coach, Allister Coetzee, warned his side that they would need to make a “massive improvement” from their win over Ireland in June if they are going to be successful this weekend in their Castle Lager Rugby Championship outing against Argentina in Nelspruit.

While many were shocked at Argentina’s win over the Boks in Durban last year, Coetzee underlined the fact that Los Pumas are no longer a minnow in World Rugby and are considered one of the best sides in the world.

With that, the Boks are expecting a massive onslaught from the Pumas this weekend and know they will have to be significantly better than in June when they take the field at Mbombela stadium.
Coetzee wants leaps and bounds in improvements, not small steps and believes this side will be more comfortable than they were when they got together ahead of facing Ireland when they had a few days to prepare.

The two weeks of camps before this week with a number of players and a good training week in the Mpumalanga capital have prepared the team for the onslaught that they feel they will be ready to face this weekend.

“We’ve got to improve in a big way, not just little improvements. If you want to improve in little batches then a team like Argentina will put you to the sword,” Coetzee warned.

“They are a world force in rugby, they aren’t just a team that is growing. People see a picture out there of the Jaguares and they think the team is learning, but they are finishing the World Cups in the semi-finals and have had two semi-final placings in the last three World Cup tournaments.

“It is a quality side, it is really a rugby powerhouse and we will be facing an onslaught. So we can’t just improve little by little. We have to have dominance or we have parity and still it will be a tough battle.

“I’m expecting an onslaught from the Argentinean pack and we have to make sure we have quality backs out there and if we give them possession then they must finish.
“The improvement must be dramatic since the Irish series.”

Coetzee said he was a lot more relaxed this time around, especially after the team got over the Irish hurdle and now can look forward to taking a step forward in the development of the side.
“There are no excuses – that is one thing in South Africa you can’t make more excuses,” Coetzee said.

“I’m more at ease – not because it will be easier but rather because I feel happier with the preparation.

“There is a lot of clarity in terms of plan, players understand the plan and have bought into it. Now it is just the execution. I think if we look at the cover off the bench it covers every position so I’m very happy.”

The Boks will know that talk is cheap, and they need to produce for an expectant public on Saturday. – www.supersport.com