NEW SPRINGBOKS COACH Allister Coetzee expects Ireland to present a “formidable” challenge in South Africa this summer, and warned that the dismal Six Nations does not reflect their quality.
Coetzee was finally confirmed as Heyneke Meyer’s successor on Tuesday morning, joining Peter de Villiers as only the second black coach in Springboks history.
His appointment comes just 10 weeks before Ireland’s three-Test series against the Southern hemisphere superpowers kicks off in Cape Town on 11 June.
“If it’s six or 12 weeks, you have time to prepare, it doesn’t matter,” Coetzee insisted on SuperSport.
The bottom line is we have to be ready come the June test series.
“Sometimes it’s easy if you have too much time [to] overthink things. I know the big thing in terms of readiness and preparedness is to have your best 23 players ready for that series.”
Ireland will look to draw a line under their Six Nations disappointment with a historic first win against the Boks on their home soil, and Coetzee expects a baptism of fire in his first Test series.
He said: “They’re a settled team. They have a very good coach in Joe Schmidt and they’ll be joined by the former England defence coach Mr Farrell, so they’ll be formidable.
They’re a good side. Don’t forget that they have been the Six Nations champs in 2014 and 2015. Don’t look at this year.
“We do respect them. It’s really a tough, passionate Irish side that will come out to South Africa this year but I can guarantee you that we’ll be ready.”
