Coetzee questions his player's technical ability and releases a further three Boks

Allister Coetzee the Springboks coach feels that Francois Hougaard lacks the technical ability that is needed to be an international level scrumhalf.

Hougaard initially looked like the sole casualty to be dropped from the squad following the heavy defeat to the All Blacks in Albany.

In an interview with SuperSport.com, Coetzee expressed that the scrum-half’s versatility may have led to a deterioration in his technical ability.

“Look I am not going to go and explain every individual player and why he has been left out,” said Coetzee

“The reason for Francois Hougaard obviously – he is a fantastic rugby player and it is just that that continuity hasn’t been part of this – like not playing regularly at nine has not helped him with his technical ability at scrumhalf at Test match level.”

“Unfortunately that is the case and it hasn’t gone well, because I think it is important that our nines function really well. And I just think technically at that level it has been a struggle for him really.”

Dan du Preez and S’busiso Nkosi will return to the Cell C Sharks, while Raymond Rhule will rejoin the Toyota Cheetahs on Tuesday evening.

— Springboks (@Springboks) September 26, 2017

Three additional players were also released from the Springboks squad today, Dan du Preez, S’busiso Nkosi and Raymond Rhule.

Rhule’s departure may not have come as a surprise to many, as his struggles against the All Blacks attack was apparent for all to see, missing a total of nine tackles over the eighty minutes.