Ex-All Black believes influence of ‘master coach’ could decide outcome of South Africa v New Zealand Test
Springboks attack coach Tony Brown and former All Blacks fly-half Lima Sopoaga.
The influence of Springboks attacking coach Tony Brown will play a crucial role in the outcome of Saturday’s Test between the world champions and the All Blacks in Johannesburg.
That was the word from Samoa and former New Zealand fly-half Lima Sopoaga ahead of the highly anticipated showdown between the heavyweights of the global game at a sold-out Ellis Park.
The Springboks head into the clash with their tails up as they are currently setting the pace at the top of the Rugby Championship standings after registering back-to-back victories over the Wallabies.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks suffered a shock loss to Argentina in their tournament opener before bouncing back with a fine win over Los Pumas – a result which moved them up to second on the table.
Much has been said and written about Brown since he joined the Bok set-up as they have combined their traditional strengths with his philosophy where a more expansive style of play is encouraged.
Knows Brown well
Sopoaga, who currently plies his trade at Japan Rugby League One outfit Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks, has first-hand experience of Brown’s coaching methods as he played for the Highlanders between 2011 and 2018, and spent a large chunk of that time being coached by Brown.
He expects his former mentor to bring the best out of the Boks on attack and believes he will play a crucial role in planning the All Blacks’ downfall.
“I think Tony Brown is probably one of the most gifted coaches in terms of attack going around. So, South Africa have an outstanding coach in him,” Sopoaga told the Behind The Ruck podcast.
“He’s one of my favourite coaches I’ve ever been coached by. His mind for the game and how he sees the game is phenomenal. And there’s probably no better person on this planet who could probably come up with an attack strategy to beat the All Blacks than Tony Brown.
“And so, this week you probably will see maybe from South Africa maybe one or two tricks up his sleeve and one or two tricks that maybe we haven’t seen before because to beat the All Blacks you’ve got to be brave, you know?
‘Tony Brown is a master’
“You’ve got to bring something else out and Tony Brown is a master. He’s an absolute master for unlocking attack and unlocking defences and probably the confidence that he gives towards players in terms of how to attack and how to play is second to none.”
Sopoaga said it was a masterstroke from Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus to add Brown to his backroom staff but could not explain why the All Blacks did not make use of his services.
“I’m not sure. I think he just loves coaching, you know? He’s a special coach, and he probably just wanted a different challenge,” said the 33-year-old.
“You know, he’s lived in South Africa before as well and played Super Rugby in South Africa.
“Yeah, so that maybe plays a part of it too.”
