Springbok coach shortlist: THREE in the race?

SA Rugby has to decide who will take over from Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber after the Rugby World Cup in France later this year.

One could question the timing of Nienaber’s announcement with the build up to the tournament likely to focus on the Springbok coaching job rather than coaching the Springboks itself.

Might be good, might not. Time will tell for the defending champions.

ALSO READ: Springboks: Rassie Erasmus to follow Nienaber to Ireland?

RASSIE COULD OPEN UP TWO JOBS IN SA RUGBY

And it’s ever so intriguing that Rassie Erasmus will have a big say in who replaces his long-time friend.

And it’s for two reasons.

There is talk that Erasmus might join Nienaber in Ireland as Leinster’s Director of Rugby which opens up two jobs.

“There is some speculation though that Rassie Erasmus could also be on his way to Leinster in a director of rugby role” read a line in a Daily Maverick story written by leading writer Craig Ray.

ALSO READ: Why Nienaber to Leinster is bad, bad news for SA’s URC teams

But if he does indeed stay, then part of his current role as Springbok Director of Rugby is to help find the new coach.

That said, the current coaching landscape means there are precious few options. There is no standout foreign coach that is available which means it will be a South African again.

ALSO READ: Every candidate for the Springbok job

There is only one franchise coach realistically in the mix – John Dobson.

The Stormers have two URC shields and a URC title to their credit. Plus the style of rugby and the ethos in the squad makes him a popular choice.

LIVE UPDATES: SPRINGBOKS’ ROAD TO THE RUGBY WORLD CUP

Dobson is then likely to go head to head with current coaches in the Springbok system – Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids.

And even then Davids far behind Stick in terms of time spent within the set-up.

Long story short, Stick must be the favourite with Dobson and Davids distant seconds. But is there anyone else in with a shout above those three, you’d think not.

2027 DEALS FOR SPRINGBOK COACHING UNIT

Daily Maverick have reported that current assistant coaches Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids, who will both be considered for the job should SA Rugby opt to choose from within the current structure, have both renewed their contracts until 2027.

Erasmus has a contract until 2025.