Former All Blacks hooker James Parsons believes that the Springboks could become the first side to win three Rugby World Cup titles in a row with Rassie Erasmus in charge.
In the World Cup final in Paris last month, South Africa overcame New Zealand 12-11 to become the second country to win consecutive titles. Under Erasmus’s tutelage, Parsons now thinks the team can improve and become the first to accomplish the three-peat.
A hat-trick of World Cups
Erasmus took over as head coach and director of rugby of the Springboks in 2018 after a torrid run of results the
the previous year with Allister Coetzee. He had an instant impact and guided the team to its third World Cup victory in 2019 before Jacques Nienaber took over as head coach and returned to his role as director of rugby.
His imaginative and unusual rugby mentality helped South Africa to another victory in France earlier this year, and he continued to have a huge impact on the Boks over the next four years.
Erasmus will take over as the team’s head coach going forward, replacing Nienaber, who is leaving for Leinster. Parsons thinks Erasmus is the coach who can finish the three-peat.
On the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, the former All Blacks hooker remarked of Erasmus, “I just think, man, he loves what he does.”
We’ve talked a lot about how he’s a man on his own, and I respect that.
“The intriguing aspect lies in the tale that can be narrated during the ensuing four years, as he attempts to accomplish a three-peat. Whether he serves as director of rugby or not, it is evident that he played a significant role in both World Cup victories, so it is unlikely that he will be stopped.
“He’s the kind of guy who could probably win three straight games if there ever was one.”
Easier transition
South Africa named their most experienced team ever to compete in the World Cup final against the All Blacks and will require a rebuild of sorts over the next four years with more youthful players coming through.
However, Parsons adds that this will be the ideal introduction to international rugby for the younger players who
become a part of a winning team led by a creative coach who enjoys taking the initiative.
The greatest coaches, Parsons continued, “front load a lot of this so that when it comes to actually going through it, the plan’s there, it’s just executing and staying on task.”
“He is a creator. Not only does he enjoy winning, but he also enjoys taking the lead in tasks. He enjoys taking the lead and always being one step ahead.
“South African rugby is going through an exciting period, and I believe the public will be the happiest.” It’s a huge victory for them since, as we all know, their supporters adore Rassie and are quite devoted.
