Bad News:The Springboks have lost two not-so-secret weapons after World Cup triumph
For the time being, the loss of two important players who helped the Springboks win gold medals in France and Japan has been hidden by the excellent news that Rassie Erasmus will return to leading the team.
When the Boks play again the next season, it will be a case of you never know what you have until it’s gone.
Rassie was always the center of attention, so Jacques Nienaber and Felix Jones weren’t exactly the coaching staff’s poster boys. Instead, they were content to blend in and keep their heads deep in their laptops.
Naturally, Rassie is aware of the extent of the information the two have unearthed on their players and the opposition. With both of them currently traveling to the northern hemisphere, Leinster and the England national team are going to get a wealth of new information.
Don’t spill the beans, Jacques
While Nienaber will be involved at the provincial level at Leinster, one hopes not many trade secrets will filter up to the top as Ireland prepare for a revenge tour to South Africa. That tour has not been confirmed by World Rugby, but it is an open secret that the Boks’ traditional June opponents next year will be the only team that beat them at the World Cup.
Ireland will certainly feel they have a point to prove in that they beat South Africa, but the Boks won the Cup. The Boks have not beaten Ireland since 2016 and they will be determined to prove they are worthy champions of the world by snapping a three-match losing streak.
Director Rassie will need to carefully consider who to replace attack coach Jones and master of all crafts Nienaber, given their extensive “gopher” work for the director. As the World Cup was coming to an end, it was intriguing to hear what the Bok players had to say about Irishman Jones. Teams need unsung heroes.
Veteran Willie le Roux remarked, “He’s an incredible coach and it has been a privilege to work with him.”
Kragga Smith, a member of the Bomb Squad, continued, saying, “He’s an amazing coach and person.” He has made all of us Springboks better players.
The intriguing aspect is that Jones and the guys are not that much older. At the age of thirty-six, he was playing fullback for Munster in 2015 and had earned thirteen caps for Ireland before suffering an injury. He made the quick transition to attack coach and quickly established a rapport with the players due to his clear work ethic and subject matter expertise.
Le Roux remarked, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him without his laptop.”
“He is a big asset to our attack, strike moves, and overall back play, and I believe the Springboks will miss him.”
‘The finer details’
Smith remarked, “He just pays so much attention to the little things.” You constantly believe you have a clean slate until he posts video and says, “Listen, this is how you do it.”
Regarding Nienaber, Siya Kolisi recently declared that his human nature and attention to detail made him an
priceless resource. Kolisi remarked, “Jacques truly shows an interest in you, your history, and your family.”
You want to perform for a man who will welcome you and your children individually at the beginning of the tour, asking how they are doing and knowing which schools they attend.
“People simply don’t realize how much effort Jacques takes into getting us ready for a game. For instance, when I observe an opponent approaching during a game, I can predict his movements, where he will step, and which direction he would probably pass because of the information I have been given.
