SA Rugby to remain mum on Coetzee’s future until 2018

Those waiting on SA Rugby to announce the decision regarding embattled Springbok coach Allister Coetzee’s future will have to wait until next year before there is any word on that.

In a media release on Friday, SA Rugby said that they would not be in a position to respond to questions on the matter until the New Year.

“A number of meetings and reviews are in progress on all national teams, after which plans for all teams in 2018 will be confirmed,” SA Rugby said.

Coetzee managed just seven wins, beating France (four times), Argentina (2) and Italy, in the Boks’ 13 Tests in 2017, also suffering heavy defeats to New Zealand and Ireland, going down 57-0 and 38-3 respectively.

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This brought his over

Now is the Perfect time for Hougaard to show true worth for the Boks!

The experienced scrumhalf is the only change for Saturday’s Test against Argentina but he has a chequered past at No 9.

It’s not really surprising that the only change to the Springboks’ starting XV for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Salta is one of the few talking points.

With Ross Cronje staying behind with an ankle injury, it’s up to scrumhalf Francois Hougaard to organise the backline with halfback partner Elton Jantjies.

A 43-cap veteran is, on paper, exactly what the Springboks need to fill that void.

But it’s not that simple.

For starters, Hougaard is the only overseas-based player in the current group.

That means the 29-year-old grabs extra attention, especially since many rugby fans are rejoicing that the locally-based players are performing well.

In other words, popular perception at the moment is that the Springboks actually don’t need overseas stars.

Hougaard will truly have to pull the strings