Springbok coach Allister Coetzee says the character in his side is “immense” after they ground out a hard-fought 18-10 win over the Wallabies on Saturday night.
The Boks were down 10-3 after 15 minutes, but worked their way back into the game to end a three-match losing streak as flyhalf Morné Steyn kicked four penalties and two drop goals at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
While the All Blacks have already clinched the Rugby Championship title, the Boks move above the Wallabies into second place on the log, with the Kiwis set to face Argentina in Buenos Aires later on Saturday.
But for the Boks, it was all about getting the win after they went down in their last three games, and while they were hardly a threat on attack, an improved defensive effort and strong set-piece pulled them through to set up opportunities for Steyn at goal.
“I suppose, if you want to turn things around, it’s a win that is needed. And it’s exactly what we needed tonight. I must give credit to the players – we were massively under pressure in all departments, defensively especially. We know that the Australians are a really good attacking side, and they can take the ball through multiple phases, and with the inside ball, taking it to the line,” Coetzee told SuperSport TV in a post-match interview.
“We started a bit shakily, but we got it together and put in a splendid defensive performance. You can take so many losses, but somehow you’ve got to steady the ship. And the only thing that can steady the ship is a win, and to get belief back.
“But just in general, the character in the side is immense. Loftus has really been outstanding – the crowd, the people – so it was really a great week for us.”
The South Africans didn’t pose much of a threat with ball-in-hand, as they lost the ball on numerous occasions inside the Wallaby half. Steyn and fullback Patrick Lambie also usually kicked the ball straight back to the opposition instead of launching counter-attacks, but the Aussies couldn’t capitalise as they battled to hold on to the ball.
Steyn in particular didn’t keep the Wallaby defence honest on attack, but his coach was pleased with his performance. “I’m pleased with our selection this week. The experience there, Morné just controlling it better for us this week. Putting pressure in defence and turning it over at scrum-time and set-piece, and taking the points – that is typical Test-match rugby,” Coetzee said.
“We didn’t look to have a lot of opportunities, but the penalties showed actually the pressure that we applied. This victory is so important for the team going forward – just a bit of self-belief and self-confidence.
“I think with ball-in-hand, we lost it a wee bit on attack. The plan was to be more direct, and we went slightly lateral a bit and across the field. But at least those are some work-ons for next weekend.”
The Boks do have some injury worries going into next Saturday’s clash against the All Blacks in Durban, with Jesse Kriel (hamstring) being replaced by Lionel Mapoe in the first half, while Bryan Habana left the field later with a knee problem.
Those two seemed to be the most serious injuries, so Kriel and Habana are likely to miss the Kings Park game.
Rudy Paige (knock to the head) and Pieter-Steph du Toit (hip) also went off, but Coetzee said they could be ready for next weekend.
@ashfakmohamed