Tony Brown believes the All Blacks will push the Springboks to their limits, regardless of who becomes their new head coach.
Brown addressed the media in Cape Town on Monday, ahead of what is expected to be one of the toughest international seasons in recent history.
The highlight will be the Greatest Rivalry tour which will see South Africa host New Zealand in three Tests in August and September. The fourth and final Test will be played in the USA at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on 12 September.
NZ Rugby is set to appoint a new head coach in the coming days – understood to be a straight shootout between Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph – but Brown made it clear that the man in the hot seat won’t change the size of the challenge awaiting the Boks.
“As it played out, it was very surprising that NZ Rugby made a change [by firing Scott Robertson]. They obviously felt that it was required,” Brown said.
“I think they’re looking at appointing a coach this week at some stage, and I only know as much as you guys. It’s obviously between Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph, and they’re both quality coaches, both experienced at international level. And whoever gets the job, I can guarantee you the All Blacks will be very good this year.”
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Brown had been loosely linked with a return home to support the incoming coach, but that speculation was quickly ended when Rassie Erasmus confirmed he would remain the Boks’ attack coach through to the 2027 World Cup.
“I haven’t thought about it to be fair,” said Brown. “I’m just going to get through these next two years. I’m fully committed to South Africa until after the World Cup. And what will be, will be. I just haven’t really thought what I’m going to do after the World Cup.”
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Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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