“Rassie sets the tone around the culture of the group. I am close with Felix Jones, and he just said to me the pleasure when you are with the Springboks is working with the players.”
South Africa have bolstered their attack and defence coaching as they go in search of a ‘three-peat’ and a hattrick of Rugby World Cup titles in Australia in 2027.
Former head coach Jacques Nienaber, who was primarily tasked with working on the defence, has left for Irish side Leinster, while Felix Jones, who had a big part to play in their attacking patterns, has linked up with the English national team.
With Rassie Erasmus back in the fold as head coach to replace Nienaber, he scoured the rugby world for replacements he feels can take the Springboks to the next level.
Former New Zealand flyhalf Tony Brown will become the first ex-All Black to be part of a Springbok technical team, something that might have seemed impossible in the past.
But he did previously play the Durban-based Sharks and Stormers from Cape Town, so has links to the game in the country.
“The Springboks have a proud history and for me to come in and be a part of that is a huge honor. The way the Springboks play the game is admired around the world,” Brown says.
“I believe I can make a massive difference in helping the team on attack. If we add a few things to the attacking side, to go with the impressive defence, we can be really dominant.
“We will never change the Springboks identity; I will just find ways to add to how they play the game.”
Brown says he had no hesitation in accepting the job when it was offered to him, despite his All Black allegiances.
“As soon as Rassie rang, I said ‘yes’. I did not have to consult anyone. The challenge is massive and I can’t wait to get into it.”
Former Ireland international hooker Jerry Flannery is the new defence coach, having previously worked with Erasmus at Irish side Munster.
He too has earned praise for his work ethic and understanding of how to get the best out of players and form roles for them that suit their attributes.
“It is pretty evident when you talk to the players and South African people, the team is so important for the country,” Flannery says. “The players feel a bigger sense of purpose when playing for this team. The pride is there, and it is a really special thing. I will bring my very best and look to add to that.
“There is a massive willingness to learn. You watch the players, their eyes are laser-focused on what the coach is delivering to them. The players want to get better. That makes the coach’s job really easy.
“Rassie sets the tone around the culture of the group. I am close with Felix Jones, and he just said to me the pleasure when you are with the Springboks is working with the players.”
South Africa begin their 2024 season with a game against Wales in London on June 22, before they welcome Ireland for a two-Test tour the following month which pits the number one and two teams in the world against one another.
“The Irish test will be pretty personal for me,” Flannery says. “Ireland are playing some fantastic rugby. It will be a fantastic test for us.”