BOKS BACK HOME
Jake White also battled, says Allister Coetzee
Former Bok coach Jake White narrowly escaped the sack after a 49-0 drubbing in Australia in 2006
Springbok coach Allister Coetzee, who arrived home on Monday from a disastrous European tour, has likened his perilous position to that of a predecessor, Jake White. In 2006, White narrowly escaped the sack after a 49-0 drubbing in Australia and a year later guided the Springboks to victory over England in the World Cup final. White lost seven Tests during the pre-World Cup season and Coetzee suffered a record eight defeats this year in 12 internationals, the worst return in 125 years of Bok rugby. Touring Europe in November, the Boks were beaten 37-21 by England, 20-18 by Italy and 27-13 by Wales. "Every coach goes through a rough year," the former Stormers handler told reporters at OR Tambo International Airport. "I would rather take the defeats at the beginning of my tenure than experience a slump during the third year. Results can only get better from here. "This now is a massive opportunity for SA Rugby to not only plaster over the cracks, but to clean it up. "We’ve got six mon...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.