Coetzee’s uncapped Boks ready to go
Springbok coach Allister Coetzee is confident that his uncapped and inexperienced players are ready for the rigours of Test rugby.
Coetzee named two uncapped players, scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and hooker Bongi Mbonambi, in his team that will face Ireland on Saturday.
De Klerk will earn his first Test cap in the starting lineup, while Mbonambi will hope to come off the bench for his first taste of Springbok rugby.
Meanwhile Lionel Mapoe will play in just his second Test – starting at outside centre and deservedly so after impressive performances in this year’s Super Rugby competition.
“Lionel gets his first start. Even a player like Duane Vermeulen said it earlier this week, there is excitement to play and represent his country again. I expect that from each and every player, whether it’s his 50th Test or his first,” Coetzee said.
“Lionel is just grateful to be starting again, he’s been showing consistently good form and played well for his franchise. But he understands that it’s a different challenge this weekend.”
“Faf is a bundle of energy, I’ve got to reign him in a little bit, he really explodes when he is out there and does everything at 100 percent. Faf is a player that will look after himself, but he’s fortunate to have Duane at number 8 and on his outside Patrick Lambie, so there is plenty of experience around him.”
“Even Bongi, no player is guaranteed a cap but he’s got his foot in the door, he’s very close to getting his first cap but obviously he has to earn it. They’re all excited, not just the new guys, the rest of the team can’t wait to run onto Newlands and play,” Coetzee said.
Looking ahead to the clash, Coetzee is expecting Ireland to put plenty of pressure on his charges with their rush defence.
“We will be facing a team that will put us under pressure with great line speed. It’s no secret that Andy Farrell has been with Saracens as a coach, he’s been with England as a defence coach as well so we will face a lot of challenges,” the coach said.
“But we’re well prepared. When I was appointed, I was asked whether there would be enough time to prepare the side for these games. I can tell you this, we are well prepared for this one, once again because of the leadership group and the work ethic and fantastic attitude of the players.”
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