Rhule dropped despite Coetzee comments

Sep 26, 2017 - 5:34 PM A day after Springboks coach Allister Coetzee said he wouldn't "chuck him away" after one bad performance, under-fire winger Raymond Rhule has been dropped for Sunday's clash against the Wallabies.

Rhule will rejoin his Cheetahs teammates and is available for Pro 14 selection after South Africa cut three players from their squad for Sunday morning's (AEST) Rugby Championship Test against Australia.

The 24-year-old has paid the price after copping heavy criticism for missing nine tackles in a 57-0 mauling against New Zealand.

But his axing comes as a surprise after Coetzee launched a strong defence of Rhule on Monday, saying people had forgotten how good he was against Australia in their draw earlier this month and that he would persist with him.

Coetzee has also sent forward Dan du Preez and winger S'busiso Nkosi back to the Sharks for Currie Cup duty.

The Springboks are due to name their full team on Thursday.

Backline coach Franco Smith said they cannot afford to be wasteful in possession against the Wallabies, who are hunting their first win in Africa since 2011.

"To turn it around, we have to ensure we are a factor with ball in hand," said Smith.

"We have to re-establish our general shape on attack, and to give ourselves the best chances to score by looking after possession, and then we need to convert our opportunities with that try-scoring mentality."

Source: AAP