More spring in the Bok step
Botha won't face Scotland
The Springbok backline may not exactly be world beaters right now, but they believe they have taken a step in the right direction and will continue to work on a more expansive game in the second test against Scotland in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Bok backline coach Alister Coetzee, speaking to the media on Tuesday after the South Africans' first training session of the week, said if last week is any indication the season ahead could be a prosperous one.
While some of the Boks' four tries in the 36-16 win over Scotland in Durban were from turnovers and hard graft by the forwards, there was certainly more spring in the Bok backline's step.
And of course there was a moment of Jean de Villiers magic that set up a try.
While De Villiers, bruised ribs, will be absent this week, the rest of the team hope to continue building on the platform laid last week.
"Yes, it went very well last week and that's a good sign for the rest of the season," Coetzee told the media in Port Elizabeth.
"The team would like to build on that [last week's performance].
"The team has been working very hard on creating space and to be a bit more expansive, to use the opportunities that present themselves," Coetzee added.
Bok coach Jake White earlier this year, when the team was heavily criticised for its perceived defensive orientated game plan, made it clear that it is defence that wins games.
But he also pointed out then that the Boks would like to add different dimensions to their game and they will continue to work on their attacking prowess.
The first signs of revival are there to see and as Coetzee pointed out, the Boks must now build on that platform.
Tuesday's training session in Port Elizabeth focussed mainly on the team structures, although there was a short scrumming session in which the Boks worked on keeping the advantage they held over Scotland in the set pieces last week.
It was also revealed that lock Bakkies Botha, who joined the Boks this week after missing last week's test with an Achilles injury, will not be available for Saturday's test.
He will continue to be monitored by the team's medical staff to see how he progresses on the road to recovery, but he will be back for the one-off test against France on June 24 … at best.
That means Victor Matfield might play again this week, or White could decide to start Johan Muller alongside Danie Rossouw. Albert Van den Berg could also come into the picture if White decides to rest Matfield.
