Ex-Springbok claims innovative Rassie Erasmus ‘in other coaches minds’ after unique move in All Blacks win
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus and former hooker Schalk Brits.
Springboks Rugby World Cup winner Schalk Brits has heaped praise on Rassie Erasmus and the head coach’s out of the box thinking.
The 51-year-old joined the South Africa set-up in 2018 and has played a key role in helping them to back-to-back World Cup titles.
Brits was part of the 2019 success in Japan as they overcame England 32-12 in the showpiece event to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time.
That was followed by their triumph in France as the Boks made history by winning the tournament once again, surpassing the All Blacks’ three wins.
World Cup focus
Erasmus has become renowned for innovating during his time at the Springboks, while he has not been afraid to sacrifice results and performances by keeping an eye on the World Cup.
That has paid dividends with those titles but it has also benefited them this year, with the Springboks not suffering a hangover from their victory in 2023.
The work done in building a squad has aided them in 2024 with South Africa set to claim Rugby Championship silverware for the first time since 2019.
A triumph over Argentina will secure the title and keep their status as the number one side in the world heading into the end-of-year tour.
Former hooker Brits believes that this is the best ever Boks team “by a country mile” and that Erasmus has created ‘scary depth’.
“What I would say is if you look at the depth of our squad from 1-15 and the multiple positions, and the guys that haven’t been playing, it is scary the depth that’s been created,” he said on The Good, The Bad and The Rugby South Africa podcast.
“From Rassie’s perspective, what you’ve seen in Australia, what you’ve seen against New Zealand and what you will see against Argentina, he rotates like no other coach I’ve ever seen.”
Erasmus’ innovation
Erasmus is not afraid to revolutionise the Springboks’ game, something he has shown throughout his tenure.
The Boks boss continues to push the boundaries and recently that meant hiring Tony Brown to develop their attack.
They also try to pull off different tricks to keep their opponents on their toes and, in their previous clash against the All Blacks, South Africa used wing Cheslin Kolbe as a thrower for one lineout.
“He tries new things and he won’t stop trying things. There isn’t a goal to win 17 or 18 or 20 in a row, the focus of this team is about constantly improving what they have; evolving, moving,” Brits said.
“Some days you will have bad days but they keep on trying new things that I love.
“The way with Cheslin throwing in. What is amazing is not just the move itself… but what’s happening is Rassie and the team are in other coaches minds.”
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