Repelling the French for 25 phases in Durban, keeping them tryless in Johannesburg and watching Raymond Rhule continually seeking out to tackle Louis Picamoles despite the France No 8 running over him signified the commitment and attitude the Boks have shown this year.
Then there's the Boks' fresh approach to conditioning and defence.
Coetzee took responsibility for the shambles that was 2016; it would be unfair to deny him his dues in the success.
And when Elton Jantjies was selected ahead of Patrick Lambie, and then showed a level of game management, flair and confidence not seen in his game for years, he clearly had the full backing of the coach.