What a difference a year makes.
This time in 2016, the Springboks and Wallabies met in Brisbane, both struggling for form and consistency.
By the end of the season, South Africa’s entire program was under review, including the future of its coach Allister Coetzee.
History tells us he survived and in Perth this week as the Springboks prepare for the Wallabies, they’re sitting with a 5-0 record so far, one more victory than they found in 12 Tests last year.
Addressing reporters in Perth on Monday, Coetzee admitted it had been a challenging time, but put this season’s turnaround down to attitude.
“It's pleasing that I'm sitting with a group of players who are willing to have worked so hard and gone the extra mile in taking care of what is needed and they know what is needed to compete at this level,” he said.
“They bought into the plan, they bought into the team environment and that has changed a hell of a lot and therefore the excitement and the energy in the team, it's a good team environment at the moment.”
Flanker Siya Kolisi said a pre-June Series camp had really put players on the same page when it came to their mentality.
“I think we all need to take responsibility, as players, we weren't happy with where we were,” he said.
“This year, we had that week off, the camp...and we worked on our culture.
“We knew we had to grow closer as players and start understanding each other and spending more time off the field and then we go on the field, we naturally work hard.
“If you want to be a Springbok, you've got to work hard.
“That's always a given when you come to Springboks but we had to work on stuff off the field and I think it helped very well.”
Kolisi said the basic level of fitness has also increased, a rise that went hand in hand with their attitudinal adjustments.
“It's not about your skill level because everybody has that in this level,” he said.
“It's all about working hard, our work rate, that's all we work on.
“We check on ourselves after the game and it's important to be fit at this level.
“Most of the games are won in the last couple of minutes as you saw last week.
“Your concentration level still has to be high while you're tired so that's something we're working hard on.”
The Wallabies host South Africa at nib Stadium on Saturday night, kicking off at 6pm AWST, 8pm AEST LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Network Ten, Win and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
