All Blacks legend highlights New Zealand influence in Springboks’ win and why Rassie Erasmus link-up was ‘inevitable’

Murray Mexted highlighted the influence of New Zealander Tony Brown on the Springboks during their Rugby Championship win over the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday.

After suffering a narrow 24-17 defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park in the corresponding fixture at Eden Park a week earlier, the Springboks bounced back in style as they cruised to a 43-10 victory over their arch rivals.

The result blows the Rugby Championship wide open and after four rounds of action in the prestigious Southern Hemisphere tournament only two points separate the four competing nations in the standings.

In Saturday’s other Test, Argentina sealed a narrow 28-26 victory over Australia in Sydney.

Despite that defeat, the Wallabies are sitting pretty at the top of the table with 11 points while the Boks and All Blacks are level on 10 and Argentina occupy fourth position just a point adrift.

South Africa’s triumph over New Zealand was a significant result as it was the All Blacks’ heaviest ever Test defeat.

The Boks delivered an outstanding attacking display in the second half as they scored 36 unanswered points during that period after trailing the All Blacks 7-10 at half-time.

The impact of Boks attack coach Brown should not be underestimated as the four-time world champions ran their old foes ragged and eventually outscored them six tries to one.

Holds Brown in high regard

Mexted agreed that Brown’s influence on the end result in Wellington was obvious and said he holds the 50-year-old in high regard as he has worked with him in the past.

“Absolutely. He’s a very, very astute man. Technically good, but he’s also got vision,” he told The Platform NZ. “He was one of our coaches at IRANZ (International Rugby Academy of New Zealand), actually, so I do know about his coaching ability and skill and aptitude.

“I’m sure he’s made a big difference. But like the Wallabies, they’ve got a Kiwi coach as well, and they’re all a big threat these days.

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“And so it should be.”

Brown, who made 18 Test appearances at fly-half for New Zealand between 1999 and 2001, had the opportunity to join current All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson’s coaching team at the start of 2024 but opted to link up with the Springboks’ set-up under Erasmus’ mentorship.

This was due to loyalty to his friend Jamie Joseph who was passed over for the All Blacks’ head coaching position.

Improved the Springboks’ attack

Since joining South Africa’s coaching staff, Brown has worked wonders with their attack and the Springboks have employed a more expansive game-plan.

Mexted is not really surprised that Brown is part of the Boks’ coaching staff and pointed out that several New Zealand coaches are plying their trade overseas.

“I mean, that’s the way it’s been for a number of years now, hasn’t it? These guys build their game as coaches in probably the most competitive rugby environment in the world,” he said.

“South Africa and New Zealand, I think, stand out as far as that. And of course, it’s less than today in New Zealand, where everybody is following all sorts of different sports. It’s not just rugby these days.

“It’s still a great breeding ground for players and coaches, particularly. Probably referees, actually, as well. And Tony Brown’s definitely learned his trade here, and then, of course, in Japan for quite a few years.

“But during that time, like I said, I’ve experienced his skills as a coach at IRANZ. So yes, I think he’s made an incredible difference. And Rassie Erasmus is a cunning rooster.

“And he obviously recognises that. He’s met Tony and probably played against him, actually, when I think about it. So that was inevitable.”

READ MORE: Springboks: Nick Mallett explains why world champions ‘have to have the Tony Brown influences’