Ex-Wallaby heralds Rassie Erasmus for transforming Springboks ‘arrogance into self-confidence’ taking them into a ‘different stratosphere’
Former Wallabies hooker Tom Lawton and ex-Argentina front rower Féderico Mendez have praised Rassie Erasmus for transforming the Springboks squad.
When Erasmus first took charge of the Springboks, South Africa were at an all-time low in the world rankings but the head coach has significantly changed their fortunes.
Indescribable Springboks
He led the side to a Rugby World Cup title as ahead coach in 2019 before handing over the reins to Jacques Nienaber and operating as director of rugby as the Boks won the British and Irish Lions series and defended their World Cup title in 2023.
With Erasmus back in the head coach role, the Springboks have won seven of their eight Test matches this year including back-to-back wins over Australia and New Zealand.
His success with the Springboks has garnered much praise with Mendez and Lawton adding their voice to the choir.
Ex-Pumas hooker Mendez believes that it is “highly unlikely” that Argentina can end the Boks’ winning streak in the Rugby Championship despite Erasmus making several changes and their recent hammering of Australia.
“Based on what South Africa achieved during and since last year’s World Cup, this is probably the best Bok team yet,” Mendez told Rapport
“To have such a strong team in today’s era, in all aspects of the game, is almost indescribable. No one has found cracks in their team yet.
“South Africa has the uncanny ability to tie the knot towards the end of the game. It shows an unwavering determination.”
“Arrogance into self-confidence”
Erasmus has made no secret about the Springboks’ transformation targets during his tenure, something that ex-Wallaby Lawton has noted in his praise for the current South Africa team.
“The contribution of black players to their depth is something to behold,” the front-rower who represented Australia in the 80s and 90s said.
“These are highly talented players, not just quota players, coming through the system, and the simplicity of that system is injecting a refreshing
dynamic into Bok rugby and moving rugby in South Africa into a whole different stratosphere.
“While most other rugby nations are frantically trying to peak in time for the next World Cup tournament in a four-year cycle, the Boks are so comfortable in their own DNA that they simply go from strength to strength.
“When a team experiences such a period of glory, there is a danger that they become too complacent and lose focus, and then the wheels come off quickly. Rassie, however, thoroughly curbs arrogance and instead
transforms it into self-confidence.
“Although their game plan and its execution are excellent, the Boks are constantly innovating.”
