Lodewyk leadership key for Boks
RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Lodewyk de Jager required just 55 minutes to show his true value to South Africa.
Springbok forwards coach Matt Proudfoot said he is “pleased” with the run-out the 26-year-old had for the Bulls in a Currie Cup encounter with Western Province at Newlands at the weekend.
It was the seasoned lock’s first outing since he underwent shoulder surgery in March.
“I was delighted to see him get 55 minutes,” Proudfoot told a media briefing, as the Boks stepped up preparations for their opening Test of the year – against Australia at Ellis Park this coming Saturday.
“He played well [and] was really solid in the line-out.”
However, it was not so much what he did while on the field, but rather what happened when he was replaced that showed his value.
“When he was out of the team [replaced], they [the Bulls] lost a bit of structure,” Proudfoot said.
“We have tried to implement leadership and ownership in the team,” he said, adding: “That is what was pleasing for me – that Lodewyk understood the plan.
“He did not have a lot of preparation time with the Bulls, but he understood their plan and executed their plan very well.
“Now we will hopefully get him to fire in our system,” Proudfoot said.
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The Boks’ forwards coach described it as a “huge year” for the country and a massive challenge against the Wallabies.
Proudfoot also spoke of the “mature player base”.
This includes injured captain Siyamthanda Kolisi, who continues to play a massive role – albeit now in an off-field capacity.
The Bok skipper remained with the team, addressing team meetings.
“We are pleased with the way Siya has been progressing with his injury,” Proudfoot said.
“He is an exceptional leader,” he said, adding: “‘Siya has really grown as a leader over the years. I’ve known him since the age of 19. We had another chat today, to see how he is taking on the off-field leadership role.”
Proudfoot spoke of the many other franchise captains in the Bok squad.
“[There are] guys like Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Beast Mtawarira.
“There are a lot of captains available. Now it will fall on someone else’s shoulders to take that mantle going forward, until Siya is ready.”
Francois Louw, Marcell Coetzee and Rynhardt Elstadt are all in the running for a start on the flank against Australia.
It is believed Albertus Smith could start on the flank against New Zealand next week.
“Balance is important in that area,” Proudfoot said.
“How you pick a back row can determine whether you control the flow of the game or not.”
@rugby365com
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