Rassie can cement status as greatest Springbok coach ever

Back in 2018 and 2019, Rassie Erasmus served as head coach as he played a key role in masterminding the Springboks’ charge to World Cup glory, while embracing a team mantra of ‘Stronger Together’ that united the nation.

He subsequently guided the side to success in the British & Irish Lions series in 2021, while continuing to work hand-in-hand with Jacques Nienaber as the team went on to retain the Webb Ellis Cup in historic fashion last year.

Although Erasmus shifted into a role as director of rugby for the last four years, he remained very much at the helm of the Springboks, while he will now resume duties as head coach until 2027.

Rassie Erasmus is a one-of-a-kind coach

During his first two years with the ‘head coach’ title, Erasmus only returned a 65% win ratio over 26 Tests, but far greater context is required considering how he successfully rebuilt the team culture, game-plan and selection policies, while leading the Boks back to the summit of the world rugby rankings.

Ultimately, it’s no secret that Erasmus has always been a maverick. A man willing to do things differently, and to learn from his mistakes.

Innovation and finding unique ways of doing things have always been a hallmark of Erasmus’ career, but what’s most important is that he didn’t begin to lose the trust and respect of the Springboks changing room even during times when he ran into trouble with world rugby.

Behind the scenes, there can be no doubt that Rassie is a rugby genius, with his meticulous planning and preparation helping to empower a number of new players as the Springboks expanded their depth, while also evolving their style of play.

Erasmus has returned to the role of head coach for the next four years, which would effectively place him in a position to ultimately have served at the helm of the national side for close to a decade.

More success to come

If the 51-year-old can lead the Springboks through a continued period of consistent success over the next four years, enabling the national side to achieve a period of hegemony between – and at – World Cups, his achievements would be unquantifiable.

Not to mention if he leads the Springboks to a hat-trick of World Cup titles… that would be beyond the wildest dreams of anyone, and solidify Johan “Rassie” Erasmus as the greatest Bok coach of all time.