South Africa in a historic clash delivered a 43-10 victory over New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday, a result that set a record for the heaviest Test defeat of the All Blacks and carried a sombre tone for the Springboks.
Coach Rassie Erasmus said the week turned ‘pretty emotional’ when he and the squad learned that former outside back Bevin Fortuin and ex-flank Jan Boland Coetzee had died within days of each other. (Reuters)
The South African reports that he told players to stay focused on the match while privately grappling with the losses.
Fortuin, who represented South Africa in two Tests in 2006 and 2007 before building a respected domestic coaching career, died on Thursday at the age of 46.
According to Planet Rugby Jan Boland Coetzee, a celebrated flank who played six Tests in the 1970s and later became a noted winemaker, died on Friday aged 80.
South African rugby sources paid tribute to both men.
The victory keeps the Springboks near the top of the Rugby Championship standings as they turn their attention to upcoming fixtures.
Erasmus emphasised the need to enjoy the moment briefly and then reapply the same focus that produced six tries and a dominant second half in Wellington.
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