Rassie Erasmus has disputed the belief that the Springboks are just a bunch of physical bullies who use brute strength to overpower their opponents.
When Erasmus took over the reins from Allister Coetzee in 2018, the Springboks were at its lowest point ever. The team was in a shambles both in terms of personnel and results, the culture was non-existent and the brand was diluted.
But he rebuilt the Springboks’ and systematically changed the entire structure and team for the better.
Now, almost seven years since his appointment, Erasmus arguably stands as the single greatest figure in the history of Springbok rugby, having played 36 Tests for his country before leading the nation Test team to two consecutive Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023.
And yet, despite all he has achieved with this group of Springboks, Erasmus is still determined to change perceptions of his team from outside South Africa.
BOKS ARE MORE THAN JUST PHYSICAL BRUTES
“We aren’t just a bunch of bullies who want to bully their way right through,” he said.
“There’s much deeper things in this team, some serious, intelligent guys who have business brains, farmers and guys who have had tremendous struggles.
“We want [the media] just to see we aren’t just about fight and hate – and all of those kind of words.”
Since taking over the Springboks in 2018, and transforming them from their lowest ebb to back-to-back world champions, Erasmus has forged a reputation as a tactical genius, a motivator, an innovator and a disruptor.
IS RASSIE ERASMUS’ THE GREATEST-EVER SPRINGBOK COACH?
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