D-Day for Coetzee

Today marks another big day for Springbok coach Allister Coetzee when he names his first squad of the season for next month's series against France.

After a dismal 2016 that saw the Boks win just four out of 12 Tests, Coetzee has to get his 31-man group right, despite a long injury list.

Part of the excuse he used at the end of 2016 was that he was appointed late to the job and did not have enough time to prepare his team.

Ironically, though, the green and gold won two of their first three Tests in his charge when they beat Ireland 2-1 in a tight home series.

The more time Coetzee spent with the team, the worse results became. But there has been more clarity about the coaching staff and more time to map out the season in its entirety.

Besides the Lions, and to a lesser extent the Stormers, local teams have struggled in Super Rugby this year, making selections even more complex.

He has so far held three training camps and will have a strong idea about the type of player he wants, but the reality is that in certain positions South Africa is thin at the moment.

Coetzee is likely to go for 18 forwards and 13 backs in his initial squad.

Probable Bok squad:

Backs - Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Ruan Combrinck, Ross Cronje, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Pat Lambie, Dillyn Leyds, Lionel Mapoe, Rudy Paige, Jan Serfontein, Courtnall Skosan, Jano Vermaak.

Forwards - Uzair Cassiem, Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lizo Gqoboka, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Tendai Mtawarira, Franco Mostert, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Duane Vermeulen, Warren Whiteley.- TMG Digital/TMG Sport