Steven Kitshoff and Trevor Nyakane have offered a glimpse into how Rassie Erasmus studies the game – and why the Springboks remain a step ahead.
The double World Cup-winning front rowers say Erasmus never simply “watches” rugby. Even in relaxed settings, the Bok boss is constantly analysing opponents.
“It would be a deep dive for him. I think he is very analytical,” Kitshoff said on the For The Love Of Rugby podcast. “He’d be watching and thinking, ‘How do we prepare for these guys in a couple of months?’ That’s his style.
“There would be messages going back and forth with the coaches – Felix [Jones], Stokke [Mzwandile Stick], Daan [Human], and looking at the boys’ shape and what the challenges will be. So no, they would go flat out. all looking at different aspects like scrums and shape. They go flat out.”
However, Kitshoff said the Boks brains trust would probably be doing it with a beer in hand.
“They’re not animals, but like, they’re not robots.”
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Nyakane echoed that sentiment, explaining that Erasmus’ relaxed demeanour can be misleading.
“They’re watching, but they’re analysing – that’s what they do,” said Nyakane. “You might see him dancing in a video or something, but for sure he’s analysing the games.
“When you’re in that environment, you learn quickly that you don’t just watch a game. You try to pick up things.”
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Nyakane added that Erasmus often tests players’ rugby awareness during training camps.
“He’ll ask you, ‘What do you think of that game?’ Meanwhile, he’s already analysed it inside out,” he said. “So it’s always good to have something to say – even just to impress.”
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