Coetzee, Boks need to improve record on the road

Cape Town - The Springboks under coach Allister Coetzee do not have a good record when playing away from home. 

In fact, it is dismal. 

Since the 54-year-old took the reins of the national side in April last year, the Boks have played a total of NINE matches outside of South Africa and they have won just ONE. 

Coetzee went through the whole of 2016 without a win away from home, losing in Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, England, Italy and Wales. 

In addition to that, the Boks drew against the Barbarians in London last year. 

Things have gone slightly better in 2017, with Coetzee having registered his first win away from home when the Boks came back from Salta with a 41-23 win. 

Other than that, there was a draw in Perth and the infamous 57-0 hammering at the hands of the All Blacks in Albany. 

It makes this upcoming tour crucial for Coetzee and the Boks as they look to show that there have been real steps taken in 2017 and that, now, they can be a force in the northern hemisphere. 

The Boks face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday before they tackle France, Italy and Wales.