Springboks improved in 2017 after their worst season
The Boks’ record now reads‚ played 33‚ won 14‚ lost 16 and drawn 3
Statistically 2017 was an improvement for the Springboks after the previous season which was their worst in the professional era but it was still a long way off from being a good season. Coach Allister Coetzee was given a stay of execution after his side won only four of its 12 Tests in 2016‚ and by the end of 2017‚ when the Boks trudged out of Cardiff after another defeat‚ Coetzee’s bosses were ruing their decision to keep him on. The Boks won seven of 13 Tests in 2017‚ drawing two and ‘only’ losing four Tests. But of those four losses‚ two were by such alarming margins and such performances‚ that there was no way to escape the conclusion that the trajectory remains downwards. Losing 57-0 to the All Blacks in Albany‚ the heaviest defeat in 126-years of Springbok rugby‚ was a low point. But it was not as bad as the 38-3 loss to Ireland in Dublin two months later. At least during the All Blacks’ debacle you could argue that they world champions played their best game of the year and ...
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.