Boks have work to do
South Africa edged Ireland 19-13 in Port Elizabeth on Saturday to clinch the three-Test series 2-1. Ireland won the first meeting 26-20 at Newlands, before the Boks bounced back in the second Test to win 32-26.
"There is still a lot of things to work on, but I am happy in the sense that we have won the series with young players getting their Test caps and deservedly so," said Coetzee.
"I think it's important to note that we started the series with a loss and we were 3-19 down at Ellis Park [second Test] and we came back.
"It is a team that has been together for four weeks and we were really put to the test. I am really proud of the young group of players – they showed resilience and character.
"I know it was not pretty rugby today, but its proper Test match rugby. You got to be able to fight in the trenches and still pull off the win – that is what matters."
He added: "There are certain areas where we need to improve on. We can improve our aerial skills, our contact skills and the execution of certain kicks. There is growth and the more we play together, the better we will get as a team.
Coetzee also defended some of his senior players after the game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. A few players were criticised for their performances in the last three weeks, but Coetzee said they proved themselves in the series decider.
"I am pleased that the senior players stepped up and I am pleased to see a player like Faf [Francois] de Klerk was outstanding in only his third Test match.
"I am really looking forward to the Rugby Championship to see how this young team grows.
"The Irish have really tested us in all departments of the game and we have a good understanding of what Test rugby is all about. We learnt big lessons from this game."
The players will now return to their respective franchises for the final phase of Super Rugby and Coetzee will be keeping a watchful over them.
"They are off to their Super Rugby franchises now and they got to continue playing well," said Coetzee.
"I reward form and the players know that."
By Warren Fortune, in Port Elizabeth
@FortuneWarren
@rugby365com
