Forgotten Springbok knows his World Cup dream is all but over

Springbok loose forward Marcell Coetzee has admitted to giving up on his dream of ever playing for his country at a Rugby World Cup.

Coetzee, who is currently plying his trade for the Bulls in Pretoria, has amassed 31 Test caps for the Springboks, he is yet to represent South Africa at a World Cup.

And while there is a potential spot available in South Africa’s World Cup squad, depending on Siya Kolisi’s availability, Coetzee has admitted that he is not in the running for Springbok selection because he has not heard anything from the national team as preparations build toward France 2023.

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY FOR THIS SPRINGBOK

“Of course, you would like to have your name in the hat in a World Cup year. However, I have to be honest, there are no such discussions with me about it,” he said during a media session in Pretoria.

“I am happy with where I am in my career and I am very happy with the Bulls. It’s nice to make a contribution here,” the discarded Springbok added happily.

A SHIFT IN FOCUS

At provincial level, Coetzee and the his Bulls teammate are in the hunt for a spot in the Currie Cup playoffs. But the Springbok is hoping for much more than just a semi-final berth.

“I’m 32 and at this stage of a player’s career you have to at least have something to show at the end of the season,” Coetzee said.

“The team showed great character in the tough away games against the Griquas, Pumas and the Lions. Everyone here is proud to wear the jersey and we are going 110% to win the Currie Cup.”

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Coetzee recently returned to Loftus Versfeld after a sabbatical with the Kobe Steelers in Japan and his arrival has coincided with the Vodacom Bulls turning their season around.

However, he shrugged off credit and said that it was more due to a change in the team’s mentality than anything else.

“The guys deserve mention for the last few weeks. Our position in the standings was in turmoil and we looked each other in the eye and spoke loudly about it.

“One little swallow doesn’t make a summer,” Coetzee added. “I think we’ve moved back to our strengths. We play for each other, rely on our solid facets and the enjoyment factor is also back. That said, we haven’t won anything yet.”

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