Rassie Erasmus provides insight into the Springboks’ ‘old-school’ trick lineout move
Rassie Erasmus dug into the archives for the Springboks' opening try against Australia.
Siya Kolisi scored the Springboks’ opening try in the 33-7 victory over Australia in the Rugby Championship from a smart lineout variation and head coach Rassie Erasmus has provided insight into the inspiration behind the move.
From a lineout five metres from the Wallabies’ try-line, hooker Bongi Mbonambi threw a long ball to flanker Ben-Jason Dixon who in return passed to Eben Etzebeth.
Old-school moves
The Bok lock then formed a maul at the front of the lineout, catching the Australian defence somewhat unawares as they powered towards the line with Kolisi crashing over for the first try of the match.
The try in the ninth minute came after a sustained period of attack in the Wallabies’ 22 with the hosts managing to somewhat hold the Springboks at bay, but that score opened the floodgates as the visitors raced to a 21-0 lead by half-time.
THIS. ON. REPEAT. 🤤#AUSvRSA #RugbyChampionship
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) August 10, 2024
While the innovative move paid dividends for the Boks, Erasmus revealed that it was not a new set play but rather one that he dug up from his playing career.
“I love the old-school moves,” the former flanker said.
“We used to have those tap penalties where guys used to hide the ball under their jerseys but it’s nice when these old-school moves pay off.
“We used that move [that Kolisi scored from] way back when I was still playing when we didn’t have another lineout option and the one guy would throw to me and that’s how we could set up mauls and we just tried it and it worked.”
He added: “It’s great when something like that comes up and it works out.”
Siya Kolisi: “We love the way Rassie thinks”
Meanwhile, Kolisi said that the squad is pleased to have Erasmus back involved as head coach after serving as director of rugby between 2020 and 2023.
The 34-year-old added that Erasmus looks at the game differently and that the collaborative nature of the squad with the coaches leads to plays like that as the head coach constantly looks for ways to better the team.
“We love the way Rassie thinks, he doesn’t think like everyone else and is always looking for different ways to make the team better,” the captain said.
“And what I love about the group is we are always willing to try something and we don’t say ‘Ah that’s not going to work’ and players come with plans and coach Rassie is like ‘Okay cool let’s try that’.”
