Cape Town - Western Province coach Allister Coetzee believes the current crop of Springboks going to the Rugby World Cup are better equipped for the tournament than the team that won in 2007.
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Coetzee was former coach Jake White's assistant when South Africa won the World Cup in 2007, beating England 15-6 in the final in Paris.
Speaking to Die Burger newspaper, Coetzee said he feels the current team is a very good side, and people are too pessimistic when it comes to the national side.
"There are a lot of guys in that side that know how to play winning rugby, that know how to get to a final. And there are more than enough leaders.
"Back then (in 2007) we had to develop leaders, whom are now hardened players.
"As long as all of them play in New Zealand, we should do well," said Coetzee.
The Province mentor also believes the Boks won't be overawed by the prospect of facing the All Blacks on their home turf.
"Since 2008 (when Peter de Villiers took over as coach), South Africa has played 11 Tests against New Zealand and won five times. Two of those wins were in New Zealand," said an assured Coetzee.
* Can the Springboks win the World Cup? Click HERE for the latest tournament odds on BET.CO.ZA
Click to BUY the Rugby World Cup 2011 Game for Xbox
Click to BUY the SA Rugby Annual 2011
Coetzee was former coach Jake White's assistant when South Africa won the World Cup in 2007, beating England 15-6 in the final in Paris.
Speaking to Die Burger newspaper, Coetzee said he feels the current team is a very good side, and people are too pessimistic when it comes to the national side.
"There are a lot of guys in that side that know how to play winning rugby, that know how to get to a final. And there are more than enough leaders.
"Back then (in 2007) we had to develop leaders, whom are now hardened players.
"As long as all of them play in New Zealand, we should do well," said Coetzee.
The Province mentor also believes the Boks won't be overawed by the prospect of facing the All Blacks on their home turf.
"Since 2008 (when Peter de Villiers took over as coach), South Africa has played 11 Tests against New Zealand and won five times. Two of those wins were in New Zealand," said an assured Coetzee.
* Can the Springboks win the World Cup? Click HERE for the latest tournament odds on BET.CO.ZA