adminJOHANNESBURG. – South Africa have kept faith in coach Allister Coetzee despite a dismal 2016 season, the national rugby union announced on Monday.
The Springboks lost eight of 12 Tests last season, a calendar year record for the country that won the Rugby World Cup twice.
South African officials held a long review of the season amid media speculation that Munster rugby director and former South Africa forward Rassie Erasmus would replace Coetzee.
Among the defeats was a 57-15 drubbing in Durban by greatest rivals New Zealand, the heaviest home beating suffered by South Africa. They also lost for the first time at home to Ireland, away to Argentina, and to Italy.
However, amid many media and social media calls for Coetzee to resign or be fired, the 53-year-old will serve the second season of a four-year contract. “We have no excuses for our poor 2016 performances even though last year was an extremely challenging season,” Coetzee said.
“Our below-par performances will never be acceptable and we will have to turn it around.
“Since the tour to Europe at the end of last year, my focus has been on planning for the 2017 season and onwards, and ensuring we show a marked improvement.
“At this time last year I was still to be appointed, but this time I have already been planning, holding meetings, preparation camps and fine tuning logistics, to ensure optimal performance.” – AFP.
Online Reporter