Coetzee: Strauss has the right temperament
Speaking to the media after announcing the appointment of Strauss as Springbok captain Monday, new Bok coach Allister Coetzee said it was an "easy" decision.
Strauss, who was told by Coetzee early on Monday morning of his appointment, is the 57th player to be named Bok captain.
The 30-year old hooker, who was born in Bloemfontein, has 54 Test caps since making his debut in 2008, scoring six tries to date.
Coetzee pointed out that Strauss has come through "various team cultures" through the years and worked with various coaches – at the Cheetahs, Bulls and Boks.
"His maturity is testimony to his leadership qualities," Coetzee told a media gathering at the team's training base at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport.
"I have peace of mind that technically he is very sharp when it comes to the game and how he reacts under pressure at international level," the Bok coach said, when asked about the qualities that make Strauss the best candidate.
"He has the right temperament and he is the right man for the job – on and off the field.
"You could see how the players supported Adriaan after he was named captain."
Coetzee said he wants his captain to be somebody that is an automatic choice in the starting XV and the players must have to have respect for him.
Strauss also ticks those boxes for the coach.
"Adriaan has paid his dues," Coetzee said, adding: "He has been through the mill – he represented South Africa at Under-19 and Under-21 level, while he was vice-captain of the Boks.
"I have absolute peace of mind that he is the right man for the job."
The coach said that while the appointment is for the June Tests, there is a distinct possibility it could become a long-term appointment.
"I am excited about how the players responded to him as a leader today [Monday].
"I called in all the franchise captains and he will be supported by Patrick Lambie [Sharks], Warren Whiteley [Lions], Frans Malherbe [Stormers and Tendai Mtawarira [Sharks]. He will be supported by a great leadership group.
"What is important is that the captain would come from within the boundaries of the country.
"Adriaan has been earmarked for a long time as a captain and he has shared vice-captaincy roles before at this level.
"A captain has to be there to win Test matches for his country and be an extension of the coach on the field – he has shown those attributes."
Coetzee confirmed that Strauss received "unanimous acceptance" by the senior players.
By Jan de Koning
@King365ed
@rugby365com
