Cape Town - Springbok coach Allister Coetzee believes Malcolm Marx and Steven Kitshoff proved themselves as players with massive potential heading into the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
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The Springboks are a team in development.
After a disappointing 2016 season, which saw South Africa lose eight of their 12 Tests, and the retirement and departure of several experienced players, the Springboks are rebuilding for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The 2017 season showed more promise as the Springboks won five and drew two of their nine fixtures to date. They also showed huge character during the 25-24 loss to the All Blacks in Cape Town last weekend, which was a big step-up compared to the 57-0 drubbing in Albany.
Coetzee expressed his satisfaction around the positives during their recent performance at Newlands, which will set good momentum ahead of their tour to Europe.
He highlighted the performances of Malcolm Marx and Steven Kitshoff.
“From overall perspective, our forwards delivered an outstanding performance. They set the tone up front against the No 1 team in world rugby,” Coetzee told MyPlayers.
“A guy like Malcolm Marx delivered an amazing performance. He was brilliant at hooker. Steven Kitshoff also made the most of his starting opportunity and showed his class around the field.
“There were other players who also put up their hands. Our captain, Eben Etzebeth, also led by example up front. We have great young talent coming through and holding their own on the big stage.
“Heading into the next World Cup, we will be identifying world-class players to develop a squad capable of doing well in Japan. Malcolm and Steven definitely proved themselves to be two world class players today.”
Marx was immediately rewarded with a Springbok and Lions contract extension, which will keep him in South Africa beyond the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
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