Allister Coetzee has revealed that there is a fines system in place at the Springboks that will affect ill-disciplined players. CRAIG LEWIS reports from Johannesburg.
The Boks’ discipline let them down in their shock defeat to Ireland last weekend, particularly in the opening quarter when they conceded a litany of penalties, while Lood de Jager was shown a yellow card.
SARugbymag.co.za understands that players will incur financial penalties should they receive yellow or red cards, while there are also disciplinary protocols in place for committing an array of cynical penalties.
Obviously in the case of a player who receives a yellow card after repeated team infringements, there will be leniency and context that comes into consideration.
Ultimately, the team protocols are in place to ensure that a player contributes positively to match proceedings, and beyond financial penalties, squad members are well aware that selection consideration will be influenced by disciplinary records (both on and off the field).
At Thursday’s team announcement in Johannesburg, Coetzee emphasised the no-nonsense approach when it came to discipline.
‘It was unacceptable to concede seven penalties in the first 22 minutes [last Saturday], the players understand that there will be consequences. When it comes to penalties that are conceded when we become sloppy and tired, or when we’re not sticking to the systems, it will definitely hurt players financially, or it will cost them their position in the team.
‘We’re starting on a new slate this week,’ he added. ‘I’ve given the players an opportunity to redeem themselves and ensure that they get it right next time around. I believe in second chances, I believe that players need that to improve, and if they don’t, then obviously I need to look at other players.’
Coetzee has made just two injury-enforced changes to the starting lineup for Saturday’s second Test, with Pieter-Steph du Toit replacing Lood de Jager and Elton Jantjies coming in for Pat Lambie.
The Bok coach said he had no doubts about the decision to limit the changes this week.
‘In all walks of life, people need to be afforded second chances, but of course there will be consequences if they don’t take their second opportunity because there are other players waiting for opportunities. In my experience as a coach, this is the correct philosophy and players must have that feeling of confidence when they’re selected, and that they know their job and do their job.’
Coetzee: Jantjies must run Bok ship
Photo: Anne Laing/HSM Images
