Former South African coach Carel Du Plessis urges the Springboks to play to their strengths
Former South African coach Carel Du Plessis feels that the Springboks are struggling on their tour of the northern hemisphere because they are not playing to their strengths.
South Africa were defeated 21-17 in their Test match against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday 20 November and they are now under extreme pressure to win against England.
The Springboks defeated Ireland 23-21 in their opening Test and produced a stunning fight back to beat Wales 29-25.
However, the Springboks have been criticised for their performances in the Autumn Internationals and former coach Du Plessis feels that the team must approach the England game differently.
Speaking to reporters, Du Plessis said, “They have to change the game plan and play typical Test rugby because one of their main strengths is their ability to carry the ball, thanks to their big forwards, but it didn't look as though they wanted to carry
the ball last week.”
The former South African coach believes that the Springboks have to be smarter and play the conditions if they are to beat England. He encouraged the Springboks to use their forwards to get South Africa moving forward.
"In the cold and wet northern hemisphere conditions, your tactical kicking has to be good and you need the ball runners like Willem Alberts, Pierre Spies and Juan Smith to get the team on the front foot. The guys have to dominate in every area because it
will be a game of attrition."
Du Plessis also criticised the Springbok coach Peter De Villiers for not having a proper game plan or utilising some of South Africa’s talented players to take the game to the northern hemisphere teams. "The Boks can get a lot more variation in their game
with the calibre of players they have in the squad. They also need an A and B plan, so they can vary their game should the conditions require a change in plan,” Du Plessis said.
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