A popular catchphrase in business is “proper prior planning prevents poor performance” and according to Franco Mostert, this explains why the Springboks finished their end-of-year tour unbeaten.
The Springbok veteran was the Player of the Match in Cardiff where the Boks overwhelmed Wales with a score of 45-12 to add to their convincing defeats of Scotland and England.
“Rassie and the coaching staff had a plan for these three games. It was well organised long before we left South Africa and the players knew when they would be playing, so while it looked like we were chopping and changing the team each week, we knew what was going on and had bought into the system.”
The 33-year-old said the team should give themselves a collective pat on the back.
“As a squad, we can congratulate ourselves on a well-executed plan,” he said. “We knew what was coming for each game, how we would tackle it and we executed the plan. Hats off to us (the team). We wanted to make South Africa proud and I think we did that.”
Mostert added that the Wales finale in Cardiff was not as easy as it looked.
“We got over the tryline a few times but they found a way to stop us from grounding the ball. We could feel their desperation.
“Wales are a proud side, everyone knows their history, and for them to have 12 losses in a row is unfortunate.
“Players in that position have nothing to lose. They will come harder and harder at you. We knew they would be desperate and well done to us for matching that desperation.”
Mostert missed a big chunk of the season because of a broken leg sustained in Durban in the second Test against Ireland.
“I was out for a period with the leg injury and when you are watching the games from home, that is when you are reminded of how special it is to be in the side,” Mostert said.
“So to be back for the last three games was extremely special and I treasure the privilege,” he added.
“It was going to be a challenge against tough teams in Scotland and Wales and a desperate side in Wales, so to finish the year with 11 wins from 13 games is super special.”