Who’ll help new Bok boss?

While Allister Coetzee is likely to be unveiled as the new Bok coach, there has been plenty of debate surrounding his assistants.

Cape Town - While Allister Coetzee is likely to be unveiled as the new Springbok coach on Friday, there has been plenty of debate surrounding his assistants; the men who have to help him revive the Boks.

We take a look at some of the candidates who could be part of his management team when the new Bok coach starts his tenure against Ireland in June.

BACKLINE COACH

Robbie Fleck

In the past, most Springbok coaches have preferred to work with people they are comfortable with and someone they can trust, a confidant. If that is going to be Coetzee’s main criteria, then “Fleckie” should be a shoo-in. Coetzee and Fleck worked together for a number of years at the Stormers and Western Province, which means they can basically finish each other’s sentences without blushing. But will Fleck be willing to take the job after a good start with the Stormers in his maiden gig as a Super Rugby head coach?

Swys de Bruin

The Lions’ backline guru has established himself as one of the finest backline coaches in the country. While it’s true that John Mitchell and former All Black flyhalf Carlos Spencer laid the platform for the Lions’ dynamic attacking play, De Bruin has taken it forward and has helped to develop the skills of their outside backs. He is the type of South African coach who has an open mind about attacking play, and will encourage a bit of adventure.

De Bruin is also the type of guy who will be able to spark debate and challenge the Bok coach. They have had too many “yes men” in these positions over the last decade.

Chester Williams

It’s about time that the Springbok legend is roped back into top-class rugby, because he still has a lot to offer the country.

As a player, he had a big heart but also played with a lot of intelligence. Williams, though, has had an up-and- down coaching career. After leading the national Sevens team from 2001 to 2003, which included winning a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, he had a bit of tough time when he was in charge of the Cats’ Super 12 team in 2004 and 2005. But he is the sort of big-name personality that the Boks need in a dressing-room.

FORWARDS COACH

Johann van Graan

Van Graan is the only survivor from Heyneke Meyer’s ship that was sunk by a small iceberg called Japan.

With Van Graan in the mix, the transition from the old to the new may not be that painful, especially because the new Bok coach will only have a few months to get ready for the three-Test series against Ireland. Besides, the Bok pack was consistently good over the last four years. However, Van Graan is unlikely to retain his role as one of the attack coaches.

Lawrence Sephaka

The versatile prop played in 24 Tests for South Africa and packed down against some of the best front-row forwards in the world. So it will certainly count in his favour that the former Lions stalwart has international experience.

Sephaka is also one of the up-and-coming coaches in the country. In February 2014, he was appointed coach of the national women’s side, and he worked closely with Jacques Nienaber and Saru’s Mobi-Unit, which oversees the overall implementation of the coaching blueprint in South Africa.

Matthew Proudfoot

Like Fleck, Proudfoot and Coetzee are “BFFs” after working together at the Stormers, WP and now in Japan.

Proudfoot was largely responsible for the turnaround of the Cape sides’ pack and surgically removed their soft underbelly. He also created a scrum culture, which has stood them in good stead over the last few years.

The former Scotland prop also worked closely with the likes of Frans Malherbe and Eben Etzebeth, two players who are likely to be the spine of the new Bok engine room.

Some international flavour?

Carlos Spencer (backline)

The former maverick flyhalf’s hand in Elton Jantjies’ development is part of the reason why he could be an outstanding pick as a backline coach. As a player, he played with freedom and imagination and he could just be the man to free SA backline players’ minds on attack.

John Eales (forwards)

Earned the nickname “Nobody” - as in nobody is perfect - during his playing career. Probably one of the best lineout jumpers of all time. Because the Springboks have a scrum coach, Eales could just concentrate on using one of the Boks’ traditional strengths as an attacking weapon.

Cape Argus