Tony Brown names his favourite pick
New Springboks assistant coach, Tony Brown is fresh off his first in-person coaches’ strategic session at the recent alignment camp.
One of the most exciting appointments for the Springboks is none other than new assistant coach Tony Brown, with the former All Blacks playmaker set to focus on refining the South African attack.
The Springbok coaches had their first in-person coaches’ strategic session and player alignment camp in Cape Town last week, and Brown will be empowered to add a new cutting edge to the team’s offensive offering.
The Test season will get under way for the Springboks on 22 June against Wales, and 10 other Test fixtures for the year have already been confirmed.
“I believe 100% that I can make a difference to the Springboks’ attack,” he explained in a manner that will excite all Springbok fans. “If we can be as dominant on attack as in the other areas of our game, and that combined with the quality of players we have and their great commitment, I firmly believe if we get the coaching right, we can continue to be a dominant force.
“Obviously the Boks have their own identity, and their physicality is a huge part of the game. The team also has amazing athletes, with some of the best in the world. So, there are certainly things I can take from having played in New Zealand and having coached there and in Japan, but that said we’ll never change the DNA of the team. I’d simply like to add a few elements to the way we play the game.”
SPRINGBOKS SOON SET TO BE BACK IN ACTION
Interestingly, Brown identified former Springbok flyhalf Henry Honiball as his favourite player, highlighting how he always had a respect for the way South Africans do things.
Honiball played in 35 Tests for the Springboks between 1993 and 1999, and many viewed him as a player who was ahead of his time, offering the sort of modern-day skills that would have been better valued today – rather than during a period where the game was still turning professional.
“I’ve always admired the way the Springboks played,” said Brown. “In fact, my favourite player was Henry Honiball. It’s a pleasure to watch them and an honour to be part of this group.”
FACT FILES ON TONY BROWN
Tony Brown:
Date of birth: 17 January 1975
Place of Birth: Balclutha, New Zealand
Playing career:
- 1999-2001: New Zealand (18 Test caps)
- 1995-2004: Otago
- 1996-2001: Highlanders
- 2004-2011: Sanyo Wild Knights
- 2006: Hollywoodbets Sharks
- 2008: DHL Stormers
Coaching experience:
- 2016-2023: Japan assistant coach (attack)
- 2017, 2021-2022: Highlanders head coach
- 2014-2016, 2020: Highlanders assistant coach (attack)
- 2012-2014: Otago head coach
- 2011-2012: Panasonic Wild Knights assistant coach
- 2011: Otago assistant coach and player
- 2006-2011: Sanyo assistant coach
Education:
- Certificate in fitness management (University of Otago)