Coetzee: Springboks haven't lost their aura

10:54 AM GMT

• 

  Tom HamiltonRugby Editor

  Close

  • Joined ESPN in 2011
  • Grew up in Bath but has New Zealand roots
  • Covered England's tour of New Zealand in 2014 and Australia in 2016
  • Was ESPN's man on the ground for the 2013 British & Irish Lions series and Rugby World Cup 2015

TWICKENHAM -- Springboks coach Allister Coetzee dismissed any notion that their aura has faded after slumping to their sixth defeat this year at Twickenham on Saturday.

South Africa fell 37-21 to Eddie Jones' side with England in control for the bulk of the match. South Africa now turn attention to their next match against Italy but are struggling for form and momentum.

"Not at all," Coetzee said when asked if their aura has faded. "I always look at when a team gives up, then I'd say the Springboks have lost their aura. But there's no lack of effort in the team."

Coetzee said a defining moment in the match was Eben Etzebeth's withdrawal after 31st minutes following a clash of heads with Billy Vunipola and went on to praise the performance of England fly-half George Ford.

But despite a difficult spell, Coetzee says they will continue to focus on the positives.

"I know we do become our own worst enemy when we make a lot of individual mistakes and when we don't handle the contestables well," Coetzee said. "That led to points against us.

"At a crucial stage before halftime, we couldn't handle a contestable kick and they scored at the other end of the field.

"It's tough, you got to hang in there. It's never easy, you got to keep working and focusing on the positive things."

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Coetzee: Springboks haven't lost their aura