In the high-stakes world of international rugby, where tradition often trumps innovation, one man stands out for his unconventional approach to the game: South Africa’s coaching mastermind, Rassie Erasmus. As the Director of Rugby for the Springboks, Erasmus has earned a reputation as a maverick, constantly pushing the boundaries of strategy and tactics to keep his team ahead of the chasing pack.
The Early Morning Wake-Up Call
Take, for example, the story of Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe’s rude awakening before the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand. Jolted from his slumber at 4 am by a barrage of missed calls from the coaching staff, Kolbe feared he had done something wrong. In reality, Erasmus had a plan up his sleeve: he wanted Kolbe to cover as a scrum-half in case of emergency, allowing for a daring 7-1 bench split favoring forwards.
I didn’t expect it, especially in a World Cup final to take that kind of chance.
– Cheslin Kolbe, Springbok winger
The gamble paid off, with the Springboks’ “bomb squad” of fresh forwards turning the tide in the final, securing a hard-fought 12-11 victory and a third World Cup title.
Erasmus the Innovator
Innovation has been a hallmark of Erasmus’ coaching career. From his early days at the Free State Cheetahs, where he used color-coded panels to signal plays from the roof of the stadium, to his development of the “Outfox” analysis tool, Erasmus has always sought to gain an edge through technology and creative thinking.
Rassie wants to evolve as the game evolves. What helped us win the World Cup in 2019 didn’t help in 2023.
– Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain
Pushing the Boundaries
Erasmus’ innovations have occasionally landed him in hot water with rugby authorities. His stint as a water carrier during the 2021 British & Irish Lions series, which allowed him to deliver tactical messages directly to players, drew criticism from opposing coach Warren Gatland and prompted a change in regulations.
Similarly, his use of social media to highlight refereeing decisions has resulted in disciplinary action and bans from World Rugby. Yet Erasmus remains undeterred, driven by a desire to constantly evolve and find new ways to succeed.
The Art of the Unexpected
For the Springboks’ senior players, Erasmus’ penchant for the unexpected keeps them on their toes. From deploying winger Cheslin Kolbe as an emergency lineout thrower to devising intricate lineout moves involving no-look passes between jumping pods, Erasmus is always searching for the next game-changing play.
If it works, bonus, if it doesn’t work, it’s a learning for every one of us and that’s the only way we are going to develop and know if things will work.
– Cheslin Kolbe
The Maverick Mindset
In an era where rugby is increasingly dominated by detailed analysis, structured game plans, and risk-averse coaching, Rassie Erasmus stands out as a maverick. His willingness to take calculated risks, embrace unconventional thinking, and constantly innovate has transformed the Springboks into one of the most formidable teams in world rugby.
As the Springboks prepare to face England in a highly anticipated clash, all eyes will be on Erasmus and his bag of tricks. Win or lose, one thing is certain: with Rassie Erasmus at the helm, Springbok rugby will never be predictable or boring. The maverick mastermind would have it no other way.
Rassie wants to evolve as the game evolves. What helped us win the World Cup in 2019 didn’t help in 2023.
– Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain
Pushing the Boundaries
Erasmus’ innovations have occasionally landed him in hot water with rugby authorities. His stint as a water carrier during the 2021 British & Irish Lions series, which allowed him to deliver tactical messages directly to players, drew criticism from opposing coach Warren Gatland and prompted a change in regulations.
Similarly, his use of social media to highlight refereeing decisions has resulted in disciplinary action and bans from World Rugby. Yet Erasmus remains undeterred, driven by a desire to constantly evolve and find new ways to succeed.
The Art of the Unexpected
For the Springboks’ senior players, Erasmus’ penchant for the unexpected keeps them on their toes. From deploying winger Cheslin Kolbe as an emergency lineout thrower to devising intricate lineout moves involving no-look passes between jumping pods, Erasmus is always searching for the next game-changing play.
If it works, bonus, if it doesn’t work, it’s a learning for every one of us and that’s the only way we are going to develop and know if things will work.
– Cheslin Kolbe
The Maverick Mindset
In an era where rugby is increasingly dominated by detailed analysis, structured game plans, and risk-averse coaching, Rassie Erasmus stands out as a maverick. His willingness to take calculated risks, embrace unconventional thinking, and constantly innovate has transformed the Springboks into one of the most formidable teams in world rugby.
As the Springboks prepare to face England in a highly anticipated clash, all eyes will be on Erasmus and his bag of tricks. Win or lose, one thing is certain: with Rassie Erasmus at the helm, Springbok rugby will never be predictable or boring. The maverick mastermind would have it no other way.
