Jake White says Rassie Erasmus and his coaching team deserve credit for giving the Springboks’ next generation the belief to deliver on the big stage.
Since losing to the All Blacks at Eden Park, Erasmus has backed a younger Bok line-up, with emphatic results — a record 43-10 win in Wellington followed by a 67-30 hammering of Argentina in Durban.
The same group will get another chance on Saturday, when they face Los Pumas at Twickenham in the Rugby Championship decider.
Reflecting in his RugbyPass column, White drew parallels with the Ryder Cup, praising European captain Luke Donald for his tactical nous before turning to Erasmus.
“Often the management don’t get the praise they deserve and with that in mind, maybe it’s time to doff the cap to Rassie and his coaches,” the 2007 World Cup-winning coach wrote.
“Credit, of course, must go to the players for that eye-catching 43-10 win, but it should also be noted how skilfully the coaches gave this gifted group of players the confidence to perform without fear. In coaching, that’s the secret sauce.”
White said the Boks’ recent points haul – 110 in two Tests – showed the value of that faith, while cautioning that the veterans remain vital.
“It’s not time to discard the old guard just yet. They will wait in the shadows, knowing they can do a job if called upon.”
KEO: Boks can cement place among greats
The former Bok coach also pointed to attack coach Tony Brown’s impact.
“There’s no doubt that the way Brown played and coached with Japan is rubbing off on the Springboks. It is a more romanticised way of playing with flair, wit and spontaneity, but isn’t it wonderful when it all comes together and you can win trophies?”
PREVIEW: Boks eye back-to-back southern crowns
White said the Boks had evolved impressively since the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour, when they were accused of playing “the most boring series ever”.
“They’ve stuck to their principles, evolved and right now it’s coming together. More often than not, coaches get brickbats not bouquets, but credit where credit is due – in these past few weeks, they have been sensational.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Jake: Rassie’s Boks have secret sauce appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
