Rassie decodes Springboks’ warrior spirit

WATCH as Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus explains in detail what the Springbok warrior spirit entails. Erasmus starts off by reciting a poem that describes the different kinds of players one gets in every team, before delving into the one stand-out type of player – The Warrior

. He compares the likes of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis in stature to Springboks such as Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager followed by a comparison to their teammate Cheslin Kolbe,  who’s much smaller.

” When he [Dricus] stood next to Eben and Lood, he looked really, really small,” Erasmus said in the video on Springboks’ official X account. “Then you put Cheslin next to Dricus du Plessis and then Cheslin is unbelievably small compared to Dricus.” He followed up by talking about coaching players of different shapes and sizes and what each of them brings to the game as a collective unit.

“Being able to coach all shapes and sizes, that brings in scrums which some people like – we as South Africans like it” Erasmus spoke about the big players who grew up on farms and relish scrummaging and then mentioned the smaller players who don’t stand back to bigger opponents. “Then we’ve got unbelievable small little guys but who man up to the bigger guys – I don’t think Cheslin Kolbe has ever been run over by a massive guy, same with Kurt-Lee [Arensde] so that’s where the heart comes in.” He explained in not so many words that the game isn’t just about brute strength and speed and why different types of players are required to build a successful team – making a comparison to bodybuilders.

“I think we can just go and get the fastest, biggest bodybuilders if there’s no skills and fundamentals and savvy and game understanding and ball sense and feel for the game and creativity.” He states that rugby is about trust and emphasises the dangers of the sport and how the trust element is needed between teammates and how to work together as a team and for each other. ” It’s a collision sport, it’s sometimes really dangerous to go into a scrum or tackle a big guy and you really have to have trust.”

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‘Highly skilful’ Springboks forward forced to call time on his career

The Sharks have announced that South Africa international front-row Coenie Oosthuizen has made the decision to retire from rugby, effective immediately, due to injury.

The 35-year-old, who can pack down at both loosehead and tighthead prop, was forced to hang up his boots after sustaining a severe neck injury during a match earlier this year.

He started his career at the Cheetahs in 2008 before moving to the Sharks in 2016. He then joined Sale Sharks in England in 2020 before returning to the Durban-based outfit last year.

Made 30 Test appearances for the Springboks

Oosthuizen, who represented the Springboks in 30 Tests between 2012 and 2017, scoring four tries, said it was a difficult decision to retire.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from professional rugby,” he said. “After 17 incredible years on the field, the time has come for me to step away from the sport I love so dearly.

“I began my journey with the Cheetahs and had the honour of playing for several special clubs, including the Sharks and the Sale Sharks, before returning to the Sharks, where my career has come to an unexpected end.

“This decision has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make. Unfortunately, an injury has forced me to hang up my boots earlier than I had hoped.

‘Not the ending I envisioned’

“While this is not the ending I envisioned, I recognise the importance of prioritising my health so that I can be there for my beautiful family, my amazing wife, our two wonderful daughters, and another little one on the way.

“My greatest joy now will be living a full and active life with them by my side.”

Sharks head coach John Plumtree paid tribute to Oosthuizen and thanked him for his service to the club.

“I haven’t had the privilege of coaching Coenie for more than one season, but I am glad that I had the opportunity,” he said. “He is a highly skilful player and an excellent leader who has guided and mentored many younger players.

“Above all, he is a lovely character and an asset to have in the team. I’m sure he will make an excellent coach and wish him and his family all the best with their future endeavours.”