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Adriaan Strauss confirmed as Springbok skipper for the remainder of the year

Springboks hooker Adriaan Strauss. Picture credits: AFP
Springboks hooker Adriaan Strauss. Picture credits: AFP

Adriaan Strauss was the biggest beneficiary of Saturday’s series victory over Ireland when he was confirmed as Springbok skipper for the remainder of the year.

South Africa grinded out a 19-13 victory over the Irish in the third test at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to snatch a 2-1 series triumph from under the noses of the tourists.

Coach Allister Coetzee kicked into touch a question directed at Strauss at the post-match press conference when asked about his captain’s future. Strauss was initially only named as skipper for the Ireland series.

“I can confirm that Adriaan will be the captain until the end of the year‚” Coetzee interjected‚ flat-batting suggestions on social media last week that Lions skipper Warren Whiteley was the right man for the job.

Strauss’ determination and doggedness were illustrated on Saturday when the Bok medical staff suggested he should leave the field following a head injury during the second half. Strauss waved bemused medics off three times before getting back to business.

Strauss’ next assignment will be in the Rugby Championship when the Boks take on Argentina‚ in Nelspruit‚ on August 20.

Meanwhile‚ Coetzee was full of praise for the role his senior men played in clinching the nail-biting decider in Port Elizabeth.

 “We started the series with a loss [in Cape Town] and we were 19-3 down in Johannesburg. And here today we were really put to the test‚ so I am very pleased with the result and the series win‚” Coetzee said.

“The resilience and character of the team really came through. We fought in the trenches and played test rugby out there today. It was not attractive‚ but we needed to win‚” Coetzee added.

 “The attitude cannot be faulted‚” he said. “The performance of senior players was great. What was also pleasing was the way the new players adapted to test match rugby. There are many instinctive players in the team‚ but they learned valuable lessons from the step-up to test rugby.

“This is all part of the building process for this team and the foundation looks solid.”

Coetzee said he would continue to base on form as players now head back to their franchises for the completion of Super Rugby.

 “We are busy creating a new culture that must develop and bear fruit over four years. It was rewarding and pleasing that new guys got the opportunity and each and every player took ownership of his position and delivered. The guys need to continue playing well for the remainder of the Super Rugby. I will keep on rewarding form.” – TMG Digital

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