George Ford
Academy Player
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- Jun 21, 2016
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AC comments on the game from SuperSport:
"We are very aware of how tough it is going to be against the All Blacks and we need no reminding of how we will be punished if we repeat the same kind of errors that cost us against the Wallabies," said Coetzee.
"There are grey areas in our game that we have to clear up. They are decision making areas such as whether it is to gather kicks or run and kick. Whatever the case, we can't give the All Blacks a choice on what to do with the possession. Because we know they will hurt you if you give them the ball and a choice of what to do with it."
The Boks were reminded by the Perth match though of how much they can gain just by controlling possession. In the first half they didn't have ball to play with and looked poor as a result, whereas in the second half when the pack came into its own it was a different story.
"The players are starting to make better decisions and you can only make better decisions if you are winning more ball," said Coetzee.
"That is the prime message going to the players ahead of this match. It is quite simple really. If we don't win possession we have no chance of dictating the game."
AC saying the right things and hinting at a more direct approach on Saturday. I particularly like the bit where he says we won't want to give them free ball and options to use it as the amount of aimless kicks in the past to the ABs were all too prevalent in our previous attempts at success and every time a gift to the kiwi backs particularly under HM. Glad he has seen some sense, hopefully the bokke will follow through and seize the initiative. I'm more at ease about our chances at giving the kiwis a proper contest now but it'll still be a huge challenge as always.
Source: https://www.supersport.com/rugby/springboks/news/170912/Boks_focus_on_blunting_AB_momentum
I never read much into what he says. He is already pinning blame for squandering the win on the players.. It was obviously his tactic to try a territorial game which resulted in the worst 1st half performance of the year, whereas in the 2nd half when they kept the ball more the Boks looked more dominant.
To mark a common phrase used in a season: you're only as good as your last match - the Boks don't stand a chance. Against los Pumas the ABs were trying too much, but rest assured they will wear their best suit for this one.
If the ABs get 2 or more scores ahead, the contest will be done. ABs by 15+