Good old Coetzee

 

So I read that good old Coetzee selected Lambie ahead of Jantjies on merit – because of Lambie’s experience and game management. While I am a huge Lambie fan, selecting him ahead of the in form and creative Jantjies is laughable. But what is really concerning is the clear message we get from Coetzee regarding Jantjies. He clearly is not comfortable playing a creative 10. Jantjies could not have done more this season to merit the Bok starting spot. This very selection and the call for plodder Morne speaks volumes for Coetzee as a coach and how he wants the game played.

 

It’s clear that under Coetzee Bok rugby is going to regress, it’s going to be back to 10 man rugby built on the foundation of defence and kicking for territory. Be prepared to see boring robotic players selected, with players like Jantjies, Faf, Jessie Kriel, Combrink, Willie, Notshe and Jaco Kriel marginalised because they have x factor.

 

If only Ackerman and Swys were in charge

 That would be a decision in Coetze's favour.
Training is expected to provide reliability in execution.
Professionnals are highly trained people chosen for their high reliability rate.

Instead of focusing on merit, Coetze should focus on selecting players with a professional level. No matter who they are.

Beating the Irish when coming back at half time with a draw did not require creativity, it requires reliability.

Wishing for creativity in a team that do not exhibit the minimal reliability makes no sense.

When players cant catch phoned passes, they wont be able to catch unpredictable passes.

Coetze should limit his choices to players who have a professional level and considering that all those selected were supposed to have such a level, stick to the most conservative plans possible in order to guarantee minimal reliability.