Springboks v All Blacks: Scott Robertson’s verdict on Rassie Erasmus’ controversial tactics
Scott Robertson has hailed Rassie Erasmus' remarkable success and weighs in on his polarising tactics.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has weighed in on Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus’ tactics and his ‘remarkable’ success with South Africa.
Erasmus and Robertson clash for the first time in opposing coaching boxes at the highest level on Saturday when South Africa and New Zealand collide at Ellis Park Stadium, having squared off as back-rowers during their playing days.
Scott Robertson on Rassie Erasmus
While Robertson had to bide his time to reach the highest coaching level, Erasmus got the Springboks reins in 2018 and has since had immense success as head coach and director of rugby helping South Africa win back-to-back World Cups and a British and Irish Lions series.
However, the Bok boss hasn’t achieved his success with a bit of controversy with many bemoaning his use of coloured lights to send messages to his players. His and Jacques Nienaber’s decision to load their bench with six or seven forwards has also been slammed as ‘against the spirit of the game’ and ‘discriminating against backs’.
But what is Razor’s take on his former fellow loose-forward?
“He is one of the benchmarks [for international coaching] for sure, if you have had all that success and you have got to respect,” he said.
“Rassie and I have shared a few beers and stories after games over the years and we just had a good rapport that you are connected in.
“You sort of watch players that go into the coaching after they’ve played and you look at his journey and how he’s got to where he’s got it’s pretty remarkable story isn’t it how he has won a couple of World Cups.”
Zoning in on Erasmus’ controversial tactics, he added: “He’s got lights up in the box and seven forwards on the bench and it’s awesome like it really makes you think and he’s his own man and what pops into his head he tells you so it’s pretty unique.”
“Everyone knows how South Africa plays”
While the Bok boss has a few tricks up his sleeve, much of his success has come from banking on South Africa’s traditional powers, a fact that does not escape Robertson as the All Blacks coach highlighted what he believes to be their strengths.
“Everyone knows how South Africa plays their kicking game is exemplary so is their ruck work, they’re playing a little bit more with that Tony Brown magic in there,” he added.
“They can play around you more if they need to, so look we’re well aware of all their strengths but it’s probably the physicality that always comes with any Springboks team.”
The All Blacks honcho believes that it will be another tight Test match between the two nations and much like the Rugby World Cup final, the result will hinge on discipline.
“Most of the time the big swings in Test match has to do with discipline stuff and set-piece penalties which is pretty clear and both teams understand how important it is,” he said.
“Like giving away an offside or a collapsed maul or the scrum goes down the momentum can change pretty quickly so those matchups are so critical to be able to keep pressure on teams and Springboks do that well.”
READ MORE: Rassie Erasmus: It would be ‘stupid’ not to start Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu against the All Blacks
