Boks searching for new defence coach?

Editor

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: Chean Roux performance analyst with Ricardo Loubscher Backs Coach of South Africa during the South African National rugby team training session at Latymer Upper School Sports Grounds on November 12, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)

The South African Rugby Union has reportedly relieved Springboks defence coach Chean Roux of his duties ahead of their November tour.

Roux served as a technical analyst under former Springbok head coach Heyneke Meyer but took over as defence coach when Allister Coetzee took over the reins earlier this year.

South Africa’s defence was heavily criticised during the Rugby Championship with many believing Roux was out of his depth with no previous experience as a defensive coach.

Sunday newspaper Rapport reports Roux will no longer be part of Coetzee’s coaching staff with SARU looking at JP Ferreira (Lions) or Pine Pienaar (Bulls) to fill the void on a short-term basis for the end-of-year tour only.

The Boks have also been severely lacking on attack with SARU looking at Lions backline coach Swys de Bruin or Cheetahs head coach Franco Smith as fixers in this area.

SARU will hold a coaching indaba over the next three days in an effort to find solutions to South Africa’s demise over the last 18 months. The indaba will be led by former Springbok centre and respected coach,Brendan Venter.

Venter has admitted before that he enjoys a good relationship with Coetzee and while the Bok coach is apparently keen for Venter to get involved with the Springboks, his current role as technical director at London Irish and his medical practice in Cape Town means that is unlikely to happen.

Coetzee will meet with SARU officials James Stoffberg and Francois Davids this week to discuss the candidates for the roles of attacking and defence coach respectively. An announcement on the matter is expected after the Currie Cup final on Saturday.