Share

Coetzee still in firing line

Cape Town - WP Rugby Union president Thelo Wakefield says the responsibility of the Stormers' Super Rugby results still rests with coach Allister Coetzee and not newly appointed Director of Rugby Gert Smal.

"The positions should be clearly understood: Allister remains the senior professional coach and he, along with his lieutenants, Matthew Proudfoot and Robbie Fleck, are in charge of the team. The Director of Rugby's one is an advisory role," Wakefield told Die Burger's website.

"If you don't have all the answers, then you ask for advice. Like (Albert) Einstein said, you can't do the same thing over and over and expect a different result. You should feel free to go and ask for help.

"Gert is in charge of all rugby matters. The coaches report to him. As coach he has gained a lot of knowledge at international level and we want him to share it with our coaches."

Wakefield also said Coetzee and Smal would work together to try and change the Stormers' playing style.

"Gert has the ability to bring back a playing style unique to WP. It's the type of rugby we won back-to-back Currie Cups (in 2000 and 2001) with and also gave other unions hidings on their home grounds. Allister's game plan definitely needs to undergo some adjustments. I believe Gert will gradually introduce flair," said Wakefield.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 792 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 398 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE