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Stick set for Springbok axe?

Cape Town - Mzwandile Stick is set to be axed as Springbok backline coach, but will remain employed by the South African Rugby Union.

A Rapport newspaper article on Sunday suggested Stick will join the Junior Springboks and the Blitzboks management teams.

Stick and Lions defence coach JP Ferreira, who came in on a short-term deal ahead of last November's end of year tour, are expected to be relieved of their Springbok duties.

Cheetahs coach Franco Smith and former Bok centre Brendan Venter, who is currently on the books of Italy, are expected to be named as their replacements.

SA Rugby is expected to make the announcements official on Monday.

Is believed Stick and Leopards coach Jonathan Mokuena will be named assistant coaches of the Junior Springboks, with Chean Roux replacing Dawie Theron as head coach.

Meanwhile, Allister Coetzee is expected to stay on as Springbok head coach.

Coetzee had no performance clause in his first year in charge which saw the Springboks win only four of 12 Tests.

But a performance clause will be added to Coetzee’s contract this year, with the three-Test home series against France in June to be of utmost importance for his future survival as coach.

The Boks' horror 2016 season included a first ever loss to Ireland on home soil, losing away to Argentina, a 57-15 pummelling at home against the All Blacks, as well as going down to lowly Italy - also for the first time ever.

The first Test against France is scheduled for Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on June 10.

The second Test will take place at Kings Park in Durban on June 17, while the third and final match will be held at Ellis Park in Johannesburg (June 24).

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