Cape Town - The Springboks may not have the biggest wings on the international stage, but head coach Allister Coetzee is happy with what he’s seen from his flyers thus far in the series against France.
Courtnall Skosan and Raymond Rhule started on the wing in both opening Tests of the season, which the Boks have won with relative ease in taking an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Doubts were raised in some quarters about the physicality of the Springbok wings, but Coetzee insists he is happy with what they bring to the table.
The Bok mentor was speaking in Johannesburg on Monday as the Boks geared up for this weekend’s third and final Test at Ellis Park.
Coetzee said the team’s kicking game was being “underestimated” by opponents.
“A factor is how hard our wings work in terms of their chasing ability,” Coetzee said.
“Sometimes people criticise you for not having big wings, but I don’t think big wings have got that aerobic and anaerobic ability to be sprinting down the chase, and scrambling back, and making a tackle on the tryline. And that is where I think our wings are really playing their part.”
Coetzee also hinted at minimal changes when he names his side on Thursday.
There will be at least one change to the starting team, as flank Oupa Mohoje has been ruled out with concussion.
Jean-Luc du Preez, the man who replaced Mohoje early in the game at Kings Park, impressed and is likely to earn a starting spot this week.
“I would like to keep continuity as far as I can, but there is also an opportunity to build capacity and with a performance like Jean-Luc’s... there is an opportunity for him,” Coetzee said.
“There might be one or two other changes but definitely not wholesale changes. The French are a very good side and we have massive respect for them. Even though the series is wrapped up, this is not just a match, it’s another Test, a very important Test for us and we must each week show that progression, in terms of all the departments of the game.”
Coetzee said he was pleased with Mohoje’s form and his loss would be a big blow to the team.
“Whenever there’s an injury it is a loss. We’re really happy with where Oupa’s game is going... as a lineout specialist, he’s another third option to have in the lineout,” Coetzee continued.
“His ability to run like a front lock in general play, carrying hard... and his defensive work around the field - both him and Siya (Kolisi) have been strong in defence."
With Du Preez set to be elevated to the starting XV, a fit-again Jaco Kriel is expected to come in on the bench to provide loose forward cover.
