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Durban - Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has explained his decision to substitute Oupe Mohoje in Saturday's Rugby Championship win over Australia at Loftus.
Mohoje was one of the most influential Bok players on the park in the first half, but he was substituted in the 54th minute for Jaco Kriel.
The Bok No 7 made a staggering 12 tackles during his time on the pitch, bettered only by No 8 Warren Whiteley (13), who played a full 80 minutes.
It was perhaps Mohoje's most inspired performance in a Springbok jersey.
Coetzee, addressing media on Monday, said he was delighted with Mohoje's display and that the substitution was in no way a reflection on how he had played.
"I had a 6-2 plan and the 6-2 plan was about impact off the bench," Coetzee said, making reference to his decision to have six forwards and just two backline players on the bench.
"It had nothing to do with Oupa Mohoje or Pieter-Steph or any of the props ... it was a 6-2 plan.
"We want to bring impact to the game and they (the bench) have done that. I’m really happy with the replacements. Oupa played very well.
"I'm happy with our loose forward combination."
Injuries to Bryan Habana, Jesse Kriel and Rudy Paige meant that the Boks were short of backline players, and Jaco Kriel had to spend the last 20-odd minutes playing on the wing.
Coetzee will name his Bok squad for this weekend's clash against the All Blacks on Thursday.
He has lost Paige for that match, but whether or not he changes from his 6-2 split remains to be seen.
