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Allister Coetzee to remain South Africa head coach

Allister Coetzee, the South Africa Springbok coach looks on during the international match between Italy v South Africa at Stadium
Image: Allister Coetzee will remain in his role as head coach of South Africa

Allister Coetzee will remain head coach of the Springboks following a review by the South African Rugby Union.  

Coetzee was under pressure to stand down from his role after guiding his national side to their worst-ever calendar year in 2016.

South Africa suffered a first home defeat to Ireland in June before losing 57-15 to rivals New Zealand in the Rugby Championship in October.

Head Coach Allister Coetzee looks on prior to the Rugby Championship match between the All Blacks and Springboks in New Zealand, September 2016
Image: SA Rugby has shown faith in Coetzee despite a disastrous set of results in 2016

Italy earned their first-ever win over the Springboks with a 20-18 victory in November while Wales and England both beat Coetzee's side in the autumn internationals.

While Coetzee will remain in charge, there have been a number of changes to his backroom staff with assistant coach Mzwandile Stick dropping out to work with the U20 side, and the addition of Cheetahs coach Franco Smith on a permanent basis.

Johann van Graan and Matthew Proudfoot will remain as assistant coaches while Italy's specialist defensive coach Brendan Venter has been linked with the Boks, although he has a contract with the Azzurri until 2019.

ROME, ITALY - NOVEMBER 19: Damian de Allende of South Africa in action during the international match between Italy v South Africa at Stadio Olimpico on No
Image: The Springboks suffered their first-ever defeat to Italy last year

"Our coaching review was focused on the Springboks and we identified two areas to give Allister Coetzee additional support at the head of our most prized national asset," SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said.

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"Franco Smith will continue the work he began with the backs and attack at the end of last year while we are very excited about the new defensive coach we have identified to address matters raised during the review.

"We expect to be able to confirm that appointment shortly."

 Billy Vunipola gave South Africa a dose of their own medicine with a physical showing at Twickenham
Image: South Africa won just four of their 12 Test matches in 2016

South Africa won just four Test matches last year but Alexander expects results to improve, starting with a three-match series against France in June.

"Last year was an incredibly tough one for the Springboks and all of the rugby community suffered," he said.

"We weighed many factors in the review process but we believe that these changes will strengthen the Springbok management hand."

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