Boks start long walk to freedom
THE light seems to be fading on the old Springbok style of “skop, skiet and donner” rugby.
New coach Allister Coetzee mentioned last Saturday when he announced his squad for the three Test matches against Ireland that they want to play a more attractive brand of rugby.
The Springboks have always been known for their power game and their ability to dominate the set pieces.
But Coetzee wants to add an element of panache and flair to that game to try to compete with archrival New Zealand, after they lost seven of their last eight matches between the two sides in Heyneke Meyer’s era.
While Coetzee is not going to turn the Boks’ attack around overnight, the team has been hard at work at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, doing different drills to enhance their skills.
“It has been going very well. You could see the energy and the guys taking those opportunities in training sessions.
“We are on the right track at the moment, where the players are given an opportunity and the freedom to go for it,” new backline coach Mzwandile Stick said yesterday.
“There is also a kicking system in place if we are not in control of play, and the boys are responding very well at the moment.”
Stick was an exceptional Sevens playmaker and a more than useful fullback in the 15-man game. He understands the importance of identifying and attacking space on a rugby field.
It’s his job to give the Boks that slight edge to break down defences, starting on June 11 against Ireland at Newlands.
“My main job at the moment is the backline and to focus on the strike moves,” Stick said.
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