Allister Coetzee insists the Boks will be better prepared for this international season after an 'unacceptable' set of performances in 2016.
On Monday, SA Rugby's executive council reaffirmed its support for the Bok coach and approved the appointment of Franco Smith as new assistant coach.
The Cheetahs head coach was confirmed as a new member of the national coaching team, following the thorough review that SA Rugby undertook after the Springboks endured a shocking 2016 season that saw them lose eight games out of 12.
Coetzee said he was glad that the review process had been completed, and thanked the Exco for giving him their backing.
'We have no excuses for our poor performances of 2016. Even though last year was an extremely challenging season, our below par performances will never be acceptable and we will have to turn it around.
'Since the team’s return from the outgoing tour at the end of last year, my entire focus has been on planning for the 2017 season and onwards, and ensuring we show a marked improvement.
'At this time last year I was still to be appointed, but this time I have already been planning, holding meetings, preparation camps and fine-tuning logistics to ensure optimal performance. These plans were shared with the local franchise coaches in December and again on 15 February.'
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Coetzee and members of his coaching staff had a two-day planning meeting in Johannesburg earlier this month, while the full Springbok management gathered in Cape Town two weeks ago where the year’s planning was discussed in detail.
'Although the review process had to run its course, I have continued with background planning. Apart from the three indabas, a lot of work has already taken place behind the scenes to make sure we are much better prepared for 2017,' he commented.
Coetzee mentioned that the positive effect of the indabas, where the Springbok coaches and conditioning staff met with their local franchise colleagues, is already evident in preparation of the local franchise teams.
'We also shared our continuity plan for the Springboks with them and I am happy with the progress we have made so far,' he added.
Photo: Juan Mabromata/AFP Images
