Since famously winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the Springboks have refused to rest on their laurels, or to just keep doing the same things.
Looking at a holistic picture, among some new coaches that have been introduced, Tony Brown has arguably had the biggest job to do as he’s looked to evolve the Springboks into a team that can offer as much on attack as they do through their traditional forward firepower.
It’s not always been an easy journey as the players have had to come to grips with an attacking evolution and desire to be more unpredictable, but ultimately the Springboks increasingly look like a far more well-rounded side.
The Springboks have enjoyed a golden era
Having just wrapped up a second successive Rugby Championship title, attack coach Tony Brown recently appeared on the popular Breakdown show, and provided some interesting insights into the work that has gone on behind the scenes, and with the support of Rassie Erasmus.
“Rassie’s definitely an innovative guy, he’s always asking the coaches to come up with something new and something different,” Brown stated..
“Whether it’s defensively, whether it’s kicking game-wise, set-piece-wise or attack-wise, he’s always asking the question, ‘would this work?’ I’m always up for anything as you know, so it’s quite an exciting coaching team to be a part of.”
Adding to their strengths
Brown said it had become clear that the Springboks did not just need to remain one-dimensional.
“You definitely get a bit better ball to attack off [with South Africa]. They are bigger humans, love the physical side of the game, whereas the Japanese side love the flair and love moving the ball, and New Zealand’s probably a little bit of both.
“It’s definitely different going into the Springbok camp and trying to coach them, but it’s been very enjoyable. I just try and coach them my way and try and get them playing the game I want to try and play.
“Try and use their strengths rather than trying to get them to do something they’re not comfortable with.”
