England Rugby Legend Explains Why Springboks Thrive Even in Defeat, Hails Rassie Erasmus
- Rassie Erasmus and his Springboks squad have been showered with praise by a former England rugby international
- The English rugby legend also commented on how the Springboks thrive even in defeat compared to their rivals
- The South African rugby coach was also lauded by a former Ireland and Munster Rugby scrum-half
The Springboks have been the best rugby team for years, and they continue to establish their dominance in the sport since they claimed the Rugby World Cup two years in a row and are also top of the World rankings.
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Under the guidance of Rassie Erasmus, yet against, the Boks retained the Rugby Championship in 2025, and also went unbeaten during the end-of-the-year tour, defeating the likes of France, Wales and others.
They are yet to kick off the 2026 season, and would also be looking forward to making it three consecutive titles at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia were they've been drawn alongside top sides in Pool B.
Springboks hailed for setting standard
Former England rugby international David Flatman, who also enjoyed successful club spells with Saracens F.C. and Bath Rugby, was particularly emphatic in his admiration for Erasmus and the Springboks on Hits Different Show.
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The former English prop suggested that should Erasmus lead South Africa to a third successive World Cup triumph, his legacy would be beyond dispute, arguing that such an achievement would cement him as the greatest manager in the sport’s history.
He further observed that the defending RWC champion appears more comfortable absorbing occasional setbacks than their long-time rivals, the All Blacks of New Zealand.
In his view, the Springboks are prepared to concede matches between major tournaments if it serves a broader developmental purpose, using defeats as tactical and structural learning opportunities for their next games.
The rugby legend also noted the team’s tactical evolution under Erasmus. While traditionally associated with imposing physicality and direct power, the simple tactical approach is mostly tagged as “classic South African DNA”. The physical edge remains widely present across the squad, from towering forwards to smaller, combative figures such as Faf de Klerk, whose aggression and intensity cover his stature.
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Connor Murray hails Erasmus
Elsewhere, former Ireland and Munster Rugby scrum-half Conor Murray reflected on his experience working under Erasmus during the coach’s stint in Ireland.
Murray described Erasmus, who was recently called out for his style of leadership by a former England international, as an exceptional leader and expressed regret that their time together at Munster was brief.
He suggested that with an additional season or two, the province could have converted their near-misses into silverware, believing they were on the verge of building something genuinely special under his guidance.
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Kolisi ready to compete for Springboks place
Briefly News earlier reported that Siya Kolisi is prepared to fight for his place in the Springboks squad ahead of the 2026 season.
The Boks captain is aware of the competition in the South African national team with the 2027 Rugby World Cup also approaching.
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Source: Briefly News
