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South Africa axe defence coach Chean Roux ahead of autumn internationals

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 26:  Chean Roux (Performance Analyst) poses during a South African Springboks photocall session at Garden Court Umhlanga on May
Image: Chean Roux has been sacked by South Africa

Embattled South Africa have axed defence coach Chean Roux ahead of the November internationals.

The Springboks, once renowned for their defensive prowess, conceded 27 tries in nine Tests this season against Ireland, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

Allowing the All Blacks to run in nine tries in a 57-15 drubbing in Durban this month was the final straw.

Warren Whiteley of South Africa tackles TJ Perenara
Image: Warren Whiteley of South Africa tackles TJ Perenara

Roux has been replaced with JP Ferreira from 2016 Super Rugby runners-up Golden Lions and that has raised some eyebrows in South Africa.

The Johannesburg outfit conceded 51 tries in 18 matches this season - virtually the same average that led to Roux being sacked.

Vincent Koch (middle) looks dejected after the Springboks' loss to New Zealand
Image: Vincent Koch (middle) looks dejected after the Springboks' loss to New Zealand

Head coach Allister Coetzee, who took over in April and has a four win, five loss record, also called up Free Cheetahs coach Franco Smith and kicking specialist Louis Koen for the tour.

Smith, who has guided his province to the Currie Cup final this weekend after a six-season absence, will assist attack coach Mzwandile Stick.

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Former national sevens squad star Stick has also come under fire and accused of being "out of his depth" by ex-Springboks skipper Corne Krige,

Starting on November 5, South Africa play the Barbarians and England in London, Italy in Florence and Wales in Cardiff.

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