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Cape Town - Former Springboks have expressed their dismay at the current team’s woes.
Allister Coetzee’s Springboks suffered more humiliation this past weekend as they went down 20-18 to Italy in Florence.
It was their first ever loss to the Italians, who were ranked 13th in the world heading into the Test.
Under Coetzee’s tutelage in 2016, the Boks have lost seven of 11 Tests. It has included a first ever loss to Ireland on home soil, losing away to Argentina and getting pummelled by a record 57-15 scoreline at home against the All Blacks.
After Saturday’s game, several ex-Boks expressed their dismay on social media.
Bakkies Botha, who played 85 Tests for the Boks between 2002 and 2014, believes the fear factor the team had is gone.
It's ??to say but no rugby nation FEAR the Springboks anymore.Peace
— Bakkies Botha (@BakkiesBotha4) November 19, 2016
Ollie le Roux, who played 54 Tests between 1994 and 2002, feels the Boks are losing their identity.
Italy outplayed us playing Bok rugby. This is truly embarrassing. Ref didn't help. Anybody putting a +tive spin on this should be shot.
— Andre'-Henri Le Roux (@OllieLeRoux) November 19, 2016
I don't think people understand how devastating this is to ex players. This is unbelievable. We owe all supporters a massive apology
— Andre'-Henri Le Roux (@OllieLeRoux) November 19, 2016
Being a Springbok gives one a certain identity.What I have seen is a team without an identity.Could this be a reflection of us as a nation?
— Andre'-Henri Le Roux (@OllieLeRoux) November 19, 2016
Joel Stransky, who kicked the winning drop goal to win the 1995 World Cup final against New Zealand, hinted at a change in coaching personnel.
#Clancy was poor but we cannot blame the ref! @Springboks ineffective in most areas! And not improving! Surely time for change!
— Joel Stransky (@stranners) November 19, 2016
Joost van der Westhuizen, who played 89 Tests between 1993 and 2003, reminded fans of a tweet he posted in December last year when he predicted a bleak future for Springbok rugby.
Remember my tweet last year??? #Springboks
— Joostvdwesthuizen (@9Joost) November 19, 2016
