Front or genuine belief? Springbok coach Allister Coetzee and stand-in captain Eben Etzebeth are chilled over playing the All Blacks so early in the World Cup. Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images.
On Thursday, the Springboks found out that they’re first match at the 2019 World Cup in Japan will be a tough one – the All Blacks.
But coach Allister Coetzee – cheery with optimism as always – is hardly worried about the prospect.
Here’s what he had to say on the issue.
The benefit of not having to play them again until the final?
One thing you get when you play the No 1 team in the world first up is that you’ll have to be properly prepared. You’ve got to hit the road running immediately when you get there. Fortunately, we do play enough against New Zealand to be able to know what to expect. The last game at Newlands gave us a lot of confidence. It’s a blockbuster, a great opening game for us. It should set the standard for the rest of the tournament.
Does meeting in the group stage change a team’s mindset, given that it’s not a be-all and end-all playoff game?
No, definitely not. The big thing about a World Cup is that you’ve got to win seven games to win the tournament. We have another formidable opponent in our group in Italy. They beat us last year, so we respect all our opponents. All I’m saying that having such a big game first up helps with planning and preparation.
The teams are playing in Yokohama. Did you experience the field when you were coaching in Japan?
I’ve got a fairly good understanding of the logistics in Japan. That time of the year we could hit a bit of rain as well. It will be a bit humid as well. One thing about Japan is that there are beautiful pitches to play on. It’s nice to have a bit of insight on the conditions, as well as things like transport and food.
Will the local conditions even the playing field between the two sides?
Conditions shouldn’t matter. It’s all about the team that adapts the best. For us, a big thing is to make sure that we start winning close games. That is a focus point for us. We’ve done things are training to make sure we start doing that, as well as winning away from home. It’s about adapting and having the confidence to keep doing what’s working for you.
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