Springboks legend Schalk Brits: 'Rassie Erasmus plays chess, other coaches play checkers'

After a triumphant Rugby Championship campaign saw South Africa retain their Southern Hemisphere crown for the first time in their history, the Springboks kept their momentum going upon their latest venture. Erasmus' men made short work of Eddie Jones' Japan at London's Wembley Stadium (61-7), before the Boks handed France a solid defeat, all whilst undermanned for the most part following a first half red card to lock Lood de Jager (32-17.)

The 'Bokke-to-Bokke' World Champions rolled this winning form over to Italy, as a heavily rotated side handed the Azzurri a heavy defeat at 32-14, and once again got the job done with a suspended second row in Franco Mostert.

The latest triumph for the Springboks was against Ireland this past weekend, as Andy Farrell's side at one stage dropped down to 12 men, with multiple cards brandished to the hosts in Dublin. Brits shared how he has a full vote of confidence in Rassie Erasmus, and believes that the head coach is oporating at a different level of tactics to that of his touchline counterparts. Speaking with CoinPoker.com, Brits said;

“I think there is sometimes a bigger plan and a bigger picture that we as supporters don't always see. There is stats analysis regarding scoring just before halftime, just after halftime, and the crucial minutes within a game where there's a "lull period." They'll do the analysis and determine the best time to make substitutions.

“But if a player is "off" on a particular day, he will literally take you off the pitch after 20 minutes. As a player, you know that as well. If your performance on the day is not good enough - he won't keep you on the pitch just because of the effect it might have on the player.

“When I talk about entitlement or ego, you put that quickly in your pocket. He'll look at your numbers, and if you're not good enough, he'll tell you by taking you off. It shows the bravery of the guy [Erasmus], because then his plan needs to change late in the game. He knows if he pulls a player early - if he "goes hard on the horse or the bishop" early-on there are certain things that leave him exposed at the back end of the game.

“But he is very clear on his way. He is brave, and he is not scared to test, evolve, and make mistakes, because through mistakes you learn. You have to be aggressive in this game. He plays a game of chess while others play checkers.”

There is no denying that Erasmus is one of the most enigmatic coaches in the modern world of Test rugby. Up there with the likes of Japan had coach Eddie Jones on an outspoken level, however Brits believes that there is more than meets the eye than just out-right 'controversy'.

“Rassie isn't just full of controversy; how he's evolved the squad is spectacular. It feels like we are pushing the boundaries, and everyone else is trying to keep up with what Rassie is doing. In the past, we would follow Australia and New Zealand's playing style. Now, it feels like for once, we are bringing expertise outside of South Africa into the game, and the rest are following us.

“It's amazing what is happening. Teams are evolving, some a little slower than others. The game is in a good spot, except for how it is being managed. If I were still playing, I would be extremely frustrated by the way the game is managed by the guy with the whistle and the guys who make the decisions. I want to see a spectacle with 15 players on the pitch. I think they're pushing a certain narrative, but is it harming the game? Is pushing safety so hard actually detrimental to the quality of the spectacle?”

There is no denying that the Springboks have evolved into the standard bearing side within the past two Rugby World Cup cycles. Back-to-back champions in 2019 and 2023, Brits pins a crucial breakaway at club level to lay the foundations to how South African rugby continues to strive. Ahead of the 2022/23 season, the four South Africa franchises of the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions were added to the United Rugby Championship and subsequently began getting used to competition in the Northern Hemisphere.

“I think there are a couple of things we have to be thankful for. When we moved away from Super Rugby... although New Zealand and Australia were quite dominant in that competition, and we had stages of dominance, moving away played a vital part in our growth. Although Super Rugby is very exciting, it doesn't always prepare you best for Test match rugby.

“Then, consider that we are now playing in the North and getting used to those conditions. We're playing more in the Investec Champions Cup and the URC. That has prepped us to play a better, more set-piece-orientated game, which is crucial for Test matches and the fine margins involved.

“From my personal experience, I could not believe the impact of a knock-on or an error in your own half up there. Especially if it's wet and cold and you can't kick the ball as far, it takes you ages to get out of your own half. So, I think the adaptation of moving North to South - rather than West to East - the exposure we get during the Champions Cup has actually played perfectly into our hands.”

Brits sounded off by expressing how the Springboks will continue to push the boundaries, as the men in green and gold have the upmost support across their homeland. Rassie Erasmus' men are truly a celebrated squad back in South Africa, with Brits revealing what Springbok success truly means to the country in the modern day.

“Rassie and that coaching group - and the players themselves - will keep pushing the boundaries. The one thing Rassie hates is complacency and entitlement. He will keep fighting against those things that creep in when you are successful.

“He will remind the players quite frankly that it's not just about winning a rugby match or a World Cup; it's about giving hope to our country. When your "why" is rightly defined, it makes everything a lot better because you understand the sacrifice required for the country.

“The last one was all about creating our first team to win back-to-back titles. Now, aiming for a third time... that is something that would always be remembered. Nobody has done three in a row.

“With all due respect, if you look at the game in South Africa: 1995 was predominantly white. Then you had 2007, with John Smit as captain - a great win in France. Then take Siya Kolisi, the first Black captain in 2019: the diversity of the viewer base has grown exponentially.

“Now, every South African is supporting the Springboks. It's a team they can be proud of. That support has played a vital role in the success of the Springboks because the players know exactly how important this is for our country.”