Wednesday 11 June 2014 12:25, UK
Former Northampton lock Juandre Krugar has paid tribute to Dorian West for transforming Courtney Lawes into a world class forward.
The Springbok second row believes Saints forwards coach West has had the 'biggest influence on Lawes’ international career'.
Lawes helped Northampton achieve their first Aviva Premiership title last month after their 24-20 victory over Saracens and is in line to start for England in their second test against the All Blacks this Saturday.
The hard-hitting second row played understudy to Kruger during his stint at Northampton between 2008-2010 and is convinced his former team mate is essential to England’s World Cup hopes next year.
"Dorian West is a great coach, he helped me a lot in my career," said Kruger, now with Racing Metro.
"When I went from Saints back to South Africa that was the first time I got selected for the Boks, and that had a lot to do with Dorian. And Dorian has probably played the biggest impact on Courtney's career.
"Courtney could have probably moved to any club he wanted. He's a great lock, but by staying there and being coached by Dorian West, he's progressed hugely.
"Courtney has always been able to make big hits, but now he times them brilliantly, he picks and chooses the right moments, he's been more selective and more disciplined.
"Dorian's a tough coach, who moulds and develops their forwards well, and that's why Northampton's got such a respected pack of forwards."
England suffered a 20-15 defeat against New Zealand in the first summer Test in Auckland last weekend despite missing a host of regular names.
The second Test in Dunedin sees the return of Lawes and the rest of the Premiership finalists from both Northampton and Saracens leaving England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster with several selection dilemmas.
Watch England take on the All Blacks live from the Forsyth Barr Stadium this Saturday from 8am on Sky Sports 1
