Rugby
Springboks expect tough and physical challenge up front─── ADRIAN BOTHA 10:29 Wed, 22 Nov 2017
The memory of last year’s shocking first-ever loss to Italy will still be very fresh in the minds of the Springboks heading into this weekend’s test against the Azzurri but Allistair Coetzee and his chargers are ready to set the record straight.
Having learnt their lesson from their 20-18 loss to Italy almost exactly a year ago, it is expected that Saturday’s test match will be won or lost at the breakdown and at scrum time.
It is for the exact same reason that Boks forwards coach, Matthew Proudfoot, believes building a successful tight 5 and pack is by maintaining consistency.
"Keeping a pack together is how they grind it out and learn, it's how you breed success", Proudfoot said.
"You can see guys growing and making better decisions because that is where you get a pack (to succeed) when the pressure comes you can make the right decisions," Proudfoot added.
Despite the physically tough battle expected among the forwards, the Bok backline in their turn will need to be up to the defensive task in a bid to keep a fleet-footed Italian attack at bay.
Coach Coetzee in his turn is expected to name his matchday 23 tomorrow.
Saturday's test in Padova, Italy, is scheduled to kick off at 16:00.
