Springboks poach England coach ahead of Nations Championship opener

Monday, 29 June 2026 at 21:30

bySteven Smith

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has admitted that the appointment of former England analyst Joe Lewis has given South Africa an edge ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship clash with England at Ellis Park.

Lewis joined the Springboks after working with England during this year's Six Nations, following the arrival of former England assistant Felix Jones in the world champions' coaching set-up.

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'Without a doubt'

When asked if Lewis' knowledge of England was an advantage, Erasmus had no hesitation in his response.

“Without a doubt [it is an advantage],” Erasmus said on Monday. “It is like when [assistant coach] Matthew Proudfoot moved away from us in 2019 and the next year we played England.

“There’s a guy called Byron McGuigan and he spent a whole week with us as Sale Sharks coach and I am pretty sure he has a lot of stuff.

“Eddie Jones moved from England to Australia and then Australia to Japan so obviously some IP gets transferred and it is the same with Joe.”

Why the Springboks hired Lewis

Erasmus revealed the Springboks had already been looking to strengthen their analysis department before Lewis became available.

“We always had only one analyst but when you look at any of the tier-one nations some have five and I think the French have got eight guys. I know England also have a lot.

“We were looking for another analyst and Joe was available. Obviously we scan everywhere.

“Paddy [Sullivan] is an Irishman but he worked in the French league a lot so you get some good info and some good things that they do in the league analysis-wise.

“If you get a guy of his calibre available it is just fantastic to have him here and he was available.”

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Loosehead Prop

Ellis Genge – The powerful English loosehead prop captains Bristol Bears and is known for his aggressive ball-carrying and leadership for England.

Ox Nche – South African World Cup winner Ox Nche has become a cornerstone of the Sharks and Springbok scrum thanks to his exceptional set-piece strength.

Andrew Porter – Ireland and Leinster standout Andrew Porter combines relentless work rate with impressive mobility for a front-row forward.

Angus Bell – One of Australia's brightest young talents, Angus Bell represents the Waratahs after returning from a sabbatical with Ulster and has quickly established himself as the Wallabies' first-choice loosehead.

Hooker

Malcolm Marx – The South African hooker plays for Kubota Spears in Japan and is widely regarded as one of the world's best breakdown forwards.

Dan Sheehan – Leinster and Ireland star Dan Sheehan brings pace, athleticism and try-scoring ability rarely seen from a hooker.

Codie Taylor – A veteran of New Zealand rugby, Codie Taylor continues to provide leadership and accuracy for the Crusaders and All Blacks.

Julien Marchand – France captain on occasion and a key figure for Toulouse, Marchand is renowned for his all-round excellence at hooker.

Tighthead Prop

Tadhg Furlong – The experienced Irish tighthead remains a crucial player for Leinster and Ireland, blending scrummaging power with remarkable handling skills.

Joe Heyes – Leicester Tigers prop Joe Heyes has steadily developed into a reliable option for England in the front row.

Thomas du Toit – South Africa's Thomas du Toit currently plays for Bath, although is set to leave ahead of next season, and offers versatility across both sides of the scrum.

Wilco Louw – The Bulls and South Africa prop has rebuilt his international career through dominant performances in the set piece.

Second Row

Maro Itoje – England captain Maro Itoje, who plays for Saracens, is famous for his athleticism, lineout expertise and defensive disruption.

Eben Etzebeth – The towering South African lock represents the Sharks and holds the Springbok appearance record, reflecting his longevity and influence.

Will Skelton – Australian giant Will Skelton captains La Rochelle and uses his immense size to dominate collisions and set pieces.

Emmanuel Meafou – Born in New Zealand but representing France, the Toulouse lock is a physically imposing presence around the field.

Tadhg Beirne – Munster's Tadhg Beirne is valued by Ireland for his versatility, breakdown work and ability to play both lock and flanker.

Ruan Nortje – Bulls captain Ruan Nortje has emerged as a dependable second-row option for South Africa through consistent performances.

Blindside Flanker

Pieter-Steph du Toit – The South African loose forward, currently with Toyota Verblitz, is a former World Rugby Player of the Year renowned for his relentless engine.

Pablo Matera – Argentina's inspirational back-row leader plays club rugby in Japan and remains one of Los Pumas' most influential figures.

François Cros – A key member of both Toulouse and France, Cros excels in the unseen work that makes back rows function effectively.

Jack Willis – England flanker Jack Willis, now with Toulouse, is particularly respected for his breakdown expertise and turnover-winning ability.

Openside Flanker

Siya Kolisi – Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who plays for the Sharks, is celebrated as much for his leadership as his performances on the pitch.

Josh van der Flier – The Leinster and Ireland openside was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2022 after a remarkable rise in his all-round game.

Fraser McReight – Queensland Reds star Fraser McReight has become Australia's premier openside thanks to his speed and breakdown instincts.

Sam Underhill – The Bath and England flanker is renowned for his ferocious tackling and defensive work rate.

Number Eight

Ardie Savea – Savea is set to captain the All Blacks this summer and remains one of the most dynamic forwards in world rugby.

Ben Earl – Saracens and England number eight Ben Earl combines explosive running with the ability to contribute across the park.

Wallace Sititi – Born in New Zealand to Samoan heritage, Sititi plays for the Chiefs and has rapidly become an exciting All Blacks prospect.

Caelan Doris – Ireland captain Caelan Doris leads Leinster from the back row and is admired for his consistency and athleticism.

Scrum-half

Maxime Lucu – Bordeaux-Bègles scrum-half Maxime Lucu is valued by France for his game management and kicking accuracy.

Antoine Dupont – Widely regarded as one of rugby's greatest players, the French captain stars for Toulouse and has won multiple World Player of the Year awards.

Jamison Gibson-Park – New Zealand-born Gibson-Park represents Ireland and Leinster, bringing tempo and creativity from scrum-half.

Cam Roigard – The Hurricanes and New Zealand scrum-half has emerged as one of the game's most exciting young playmakers.

Fly-half

Finn Russell – Scottish international Finn Russell orchestrates attacks for Bath and is famous for his flair and inventive passing game.

Matthieu Jalibert – France fly-half Matthieu Jalibert plays for Bordeaux-Bègles and thrives when given freedom to attack.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – The versatile South African back represents the Stormers and is considered one of the country's brightest talents.

Handré Pollard – Double World Cup-winning Springbok Handré Pollard currently plays for the Bulls and is renowned for his composure under pressure.

Inside Centre

Sione Tuipulotu – Australia-born but Scotland-capped, Tuipulotu captains Glasgow Warriors and provides power and distribution in midfield.

Damian de Allende – The experienced South African centre plays for the Wild Knights in Japan and remains a defensive leader for the Springboks.

Stuart McCloskey – Ulster's Stuart McCloskey has earned a reputation with Ireland for his direct carrying and physical presence.

Tommaso Menoncello – Italy's rising star is set to join Toulouse next season and became one of the youngest players to win the Six Nations Player of the Championship award.

Outside Centre

Jesse Kriel – Springbok vice-captain Jesse Kriel plays his club rugby in Japan and is known for his consistency and defensive organisation.

Jordie Barrett – The versatile New Zealander represents the Hurricanes, while remaining a key All Blacks playmaker.

Juan Ignacio Brex – Argentine-born Brex has become a central figure in Italy's midfield through his intelligent distribution and defence.

Huw Jones – Glasgow Warriors and Scotland centre Huw Jones is a prolific try-scorer with a sharp attacking instinct.

Wing

Cheslin Kolbe – The electrifying South African wing will join Stormers soon and is famous for his footwork and game-breaking ability.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey – Bordeaux-Bègles flyer Louis Bielle-Biarrey has quickly become one of France's most dangerous finishers.

Damian Penaud – Another Bordeaux-Bègles star, Penaud is among France's all-time leading try scorers and excels in open space.

Tommy Freeman – Northampton Saints wing Tommy Freeman has become a key attacking weapon for England thanks to his aerial skills and versatility.

Kurt-Lee Arendse – The South African speedster plays for the Bulls and is renowned for his acceleration and counter-attacking threat.

Théo Attissogbé – Pau winger Théo Attissogbé is one of the most promising young talents in French rugby, capable of playing across the back three.