Former Springbok and Natal Sharks coach Ian McIntosh firmly believes Harry Viljoen is on the right track.

"The defeat against England was a disappointment but you have to place this tour, and that loss, in perspective. It came at the end of an exceptionally long season. The players were tired and sore and they suddenly had to adapt to a new coach making new demands and introducing a fresh approach," McIntosh told the Natal Witness.

McIntosh, who acted as technical advisor on the Argentina leg of the tour, said the new Bok coach had the difficult job of "picking up the pieces of Springbok rugby".

"He had very little say in the planning for this end-of-year tour and there was little time for him to settle on the right squad and get the players to gel.

"By his own admision, Harry was probably too conservative against England, and ball was kicked away, but he would have learnt from that.

"And you have to be realistic. In a little over a year the Boks have lost at least 17 top, experienced players. Some have been injured, some were prematurely discarded, some have gone their own way. But the bottom line is that one hell of a lot of experience disappeared and Harry had to do a patch-up job."

McIntosh says the victory over the Barbarians on Saturday was a tribute to the players' character and resilience.

"They were tired when they went on tour but they still had to work hard because Harry was introducing a new style of play. We knew there was the danger of over-training, and I think it showed in some of the games, but it had to be done if the approach was to change.

"I saw them in London last week after their England defeat. They were shattered mentally and physically and yet they dug deep to beat the Barbarians. They showed real pride and determination. I believe Harry has laid an excellent foundation for the future."