Why Rassie Erasmus turned to two ‘foreign’ coaches for Springboks

Rassie Erasmus is soon set to be confirmed as the Springboks’ head coach once again as he takes over from Jacques Nienaber, and the director of rugby is reported to have recruited former Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery to oversee the team’s defence.

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Flannery, who is currently working as a defence coach at Harlequins in England, actually started his coaching career under Erasmus at Munster, where he served as forwards and scrum coach.

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Meanwhile, in another appointment, it’s also reported that SA Rugby and Rassie have turned to former All Blacks flyhalf Tony Brown to come in as another assistant coach who will look to impact the Springboks’ attack.

The 49-year-old has a long coaching CV, which includes roles with the Highlanders and Japan, where he was hailed for the impact he had.

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WHAT IS RASSIE ERASMUS THINKING WITH THESE NEW APPOINTMENTS FOR THE SPRINGBOKS?

Speaking to Netwerk24, former Bok captain Jean de Villiers explained why he thoughts there would be value to these management team additions.

“Tony is very creative with his proposals and you could see that in Japan as well. I think he would be a very good asset to Springbok rugby, should he get that role.

“The biggest asset is that he played for a very long time and then immediately got involved in coaching. Since then he has been involved in coaching all the time. You can benefit from the insights you get from all his playing days – whether it was in New Zealand, Japan or here in South Africa – and also as a coach.

He added: “I think it’s important for Rassie that the coaches who come in are guys he knows and trusts. Jerry was part of a wonderful era of Munster rugby and also got involved in coaching soon after his playing days, when Rassie took over Munster. They then worked together and he is also doing well at Quins.

“It’s experience and new eyes, which maybe approach the game differently than the guys currently in the setup. It’s always nice when you get a different perspective.”

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In other news, Bloemfontein has been confirmed as the venue when the Springboks face Portugal in the historic first Test between the nations on Saturday, 20 July, in the final match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series as part of a thrilling 2024 home Test schedule.

The confirmation of Bloemfontein as the venue for the Springboks’ Test match completes the domestic Test schedule, which begins with a two-Test series against top international rivals Ireland in Pretoria and Durban on 6 and 13 July, respectively. This will be followed a week later by the Portugal Test.

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RASSIE ERASMUS AND SPRINGBOKS SET FOR BLOCKBUSTER 2024 SCHEDULE

The Springboks will then face New Zealand in the Rugby Championship in two Tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town on 31 August and 7 September, respectively, before lining up against Argentina in Mbombela on Saturday 28 September.

“We are delighted that we will be returning to Bloemfontein for this historic match, and we are determined to continue make our passionate supporters proud,” said SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus.

“With the venue now confirmed we can go full steam ahead with our planning for the home Tests from an operational perspective.

“There’s no doubt it has added to the excitement for the season ahead, especially after capping off the 2023 season by defending the Rugby World Cup title.”

Ticketing details for all six Tests are being finalised and will be announced soon, but supporters are warned to only buy from official outlets and not websites such as Viagogo.

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THE HOME TEST SCHEDULE FOR 2024 IS:

Saturday, 6 July: SA vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)

Saturday, 13 July: SA vs Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)

Saturday, 20 July: SA vs Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)

Saturday, 31 August: SA vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)

Saturday, 7 September: SA vs New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)

Saturday, 28 September: SA vs Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela)

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