Ex-Springboks guru tips Stormers boss to take over from Rassie Erasmus
Stormers head coach John Dobson and analyst Swys de Bruin.
Former Springboks assistant coach Swys de Bruin believes that Stormers head coach John Dobson has earned the chance to coach the national side in the future.
Speaking to Netwerk24, De Bruin admits he is pleased with the new Springboks coaching staff, which was confirmed this week, and underlined that he has full faith in head coach Rassie Erasmus who will be pushing for an unprecedented three-peat of Rugby World Cups.
New additions
Former Ireland international Jerry Flannery who worked with Erasmus at Munster takes on the role of defensive coach with ex-All Black Tony Brown leading the attack. Recently retired Duane Vermeulen has been named as a roving coach in the mobi-coaching unit.
De Bruin, who once ran the Boks attack, is very excited at the appointment of Brown who is an advocate of running rugby.
“Rassie knows what he’s doing. He proved it by winning two World Cups. He knows exactly what he is looking for,” De Bruin told Netwerk24.
“I am looking forward to how we will play attacking rugby under Tony Brown, because he is known for his running rugby.”
Earned his chance for the future
De Bruin also took a moment to look ahead and tipped Dobson to play a future role with the national side after his success in Cape Town.
Dobson has been sensational for the Stormers guiding them from the brink of being financially unable to compete in the United Rugby Championship to winning the inaugural title.
This was followed up with a runners-up medal the following URC season and a knockout appearance in the Champions Cup all whilst navigating a stadium change and low budget for players.
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The coach is very connected with the people of Cape Town led by the campaign to make the city smile. To do this he returned the style of play to what is typical to the area which is attacking and running rugby typical of the Stormers in Dobson’s era.
He added: “I have liked Dobbo (John Dobson) since he coached the Ikeys (University of Cape Town). He understands the South African culture well and knows how to get the best out of players.
“I hope he gets his chance one day, because he deserves it. He has really left deep traces in our setup.”
Of course the Springboks coaching set-up is locked in until the next World Cup, it would be interesting to see who succeeds the great Erasmus who he eventually steps away from the helm.
READ MORE: Springboks coaches: Five talking points from Rassie Erasmus’ new team
