Rassie Erasmus reveals major plans for Springboks’ attack
It seems the only way forward for the Springboks is up. Coach Rassie Erasmus has shared plans to evolve the squad and bolster their attack.
The Springboks are not messing around! The national side may have won back-to-back World Cup titles, and a fourth overall, but they are clearly now targeting a period of complete consistent hegemony.
Rassie Erasmus has stated that the Springboks have set out clear plans to ensure they continue to evolve and keep pace with the changing game, and this is set to translate into one area in particular: attack.
Historically, and recently, the Springboks have based a large part of their success on set-piece dominance, physicality up front, world-class defence and an astute kicking game.
None of that will change, but now the Springboks want to bring an attacking revolution to their play under the guidance of former All Black Tony Brown, who is one of the new assistant coaches.
Brown has boldly proclaimed as much already: “Can I make a massive difference around how the Springboks attack? Yes, 100% I can,” the New Zealander said at a press conference in Cape Town on Tuesday.
“I truly believe that because of the way the Boks play, if we add a few little things around the attacking side of the game, we can be a truly dominant side on attack. Like we already are on defence, in the scrum, the lineout and the maul.”
SPRINGBOKS MOVING WITH THE TIMES
Erasmus introduced Brown, as well as new defence coach Jerry Flannery to media in Cape Town as the focus turned to the ever-evolving playing landscape.
“Tony and Jerry bring a fresh perspective from different rugby environments and it’s lekker to hear new voices on how we’ve been doing things and how we might do them in the future,” said Erasmus.
“As we said before last year’s tournament, there was no way that we would be successful if we kept doing things in the same way.
“We need to evolve our game once more, as teams will definitely have looked at how we play, and how they think they can stop us.
“This is a watershed year for South African rugby with the off-field developments that are being discussed and it’s our job to make sure that everything remains on track on the field,” added Erasmus.
“I’m excited about the coaching and management team we’ve put together and really looking forward to getting out there once again.”
FULL MANAGEMENT TEAM
Rassie Erasmus: Head Coach
Charles Wessels: Team Manager
Mzwandile Stick: Assistant Coach
Daan Human: Assistant Coach
Deon Davids: Assistant Coach
Tony Brown: Assistant Coach
Jerry Flannery: Assistant Coach
Andy Edwards: Head of Athletic Performance
Sebastian Prim: Sport Scientist
Paddy Sullivan: Performance Analyst
Lindsay Weyer: Technical Analyst
Jaco Peyper: Laws and Discipline Advisor
Dr Jerome Lehlogonolo Mampane: Team Doctor
Dr Aneurin Robyn: Physiotherapist
Rene Naylor: Physiotherapist
JJ Fredericks: Logistics Manager
Zintsika Tashe: Operations Manager
Zeena Isaacs van Tonder: Media Manager