Outlook on Allister Coetzee as clear as mud, but Boks’ needs are crystal clear
Allister Coetzee’s days as Springbok coach may be numbered after SA Rugby’s executive council discussions on Sunday and Monday. Coetzee wasn’t the only item on the agenda, but it was the most pressing. The outcome remains unclear at this stage. The Springboks lost eight out of 12 Tests under Coetzee in 2016‚ including a record loss to the All Blacks (57-15 in Durban) and a maiden defeat to Italy (20-18 in Florence). The Boks also lost at home to Ireland for the first time and away to Argentina for the first time. They won no away games and conceded a mammoth 35 tries in 12 Tests, matching the shambolic 2002 season under Rudolph Straeuli. Despite Coetzee lamenting his late appointment and factors such as a player brain drain as contributors to the poor results‚ there is no reason to keep him on after a win rate of only 33%. But dismissing him would not be easy in South African law‚ which is why SA Rugby has so carefully and methodically reviewed his brief tenure. Even doing everythin...
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