Rugby pundit and former Scotland rugby coach Matt Williams has admitted to being in awe of the Springboks’ evolution.
Matt is a prominent figure in international rugby circles and is better known as the Springboks’ greatest critic. This comes after the numerous remarks that he has made about Rassie Erasmus’ innovative game plans and the 7/1 bench split.
Erasmus first trialed the 7/1 split game plan during the Springbok vs All Blacks match at Twickenham in 2023. After witnessing the success of this match, Williams demanded that World Rugby take action.
“All World Rugby had to say was, ‘Three of your bench have to be recognised backs.’
“That’s all they had to do, and this problem would not be there. What South Africa did the other day, I think, is totally against the spirit of the game, and certainly totally against player safety,” he said.
As the Boks have continued to see success in 2025, Williams’ views of the Springboks have since changed.
Matt Williams officially won over?
Following the Springboks’ recent victory over France, he now appears to have a change of heart.
South Africa recently defeated the French by 32 – 17 in a game where many backed the hosts to earn victory. What made this even more significant was that it was backed with tactical brilliance and a good kicking game despite playing with 14 men.
Speaking on the Off The Ball Podcast, Williams recently praised the quality of the current Springbok team.
“They’re a team that can do anything,” he said, praising the team’s ability to transition between forward dominance and attack.
“What they’ve added is the incredible dimension of a dynamic running passing game. And I’ve been saying for years, if South Africa adds that to their repertoire, no one in the world will stop them. They are head and shoulders above everyone right now at this point of the cycle.”
