Transformation is a priority for the Springboks’ coaching staff, says South African forwards coach Matt Proudfoot.
Despite successive losses to Argentina and Australia, Proudfoot says he and the rest of the coaching staff are taking a long-term approach to the national team ahead of their crucial match against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.
“Rassie [Erasmus] has made it very clear that if we don’t get transformation right, if we don’t get the squad right to be competitive at the World Cup, it doesn’t matter what we do,” Proudfoot was quoted as saying by New Zealand website Stuff.
“Bringing a squad together that could win an individual game isn’t what it’s about for us.
“We realise as coaches and management – and this is driven by Rassie – that if we have to get fired for an individual loss or series of losses, then so be it.
“We started a process that will develop a team that’s competitive at the World Cup and represents South Africa as a nation united, that’s what this squad is about.”
However, view taken by the coaching staff has not made them oblivious to the frustration in South Africa.
“We hear it, obviously you listen to it. For all the people who criticise there are people supporting us,” he explained.
“I can show you my phone and the messages of support we get from past players, ‘just stick with what you’re doing’.
“They can see the effort and what this team is doing on the field. Mistakes are going to happen when you’re developing a side. Every second half has been above our opponents and that’s effort. We will get the execution right the more experience this team gets.”