Rassie Erasmus is far from finished with the Springboks, but there is little doubt he looks set to go down as the greatest coach of all time.
Rassie Erasmus famously served as head coach in 2018 and 2019, masterminding the Springboks’ march to World Cup triumph while embracing a team slogan of ‘Stronger Together’ that brought the nation together.
He then led the team to victory in the British and Irish Lions series in 2021, while continuing to collaborate with Jacques Nienaber as the team defended the Webb Ellis Cup in historic fashion last year.
Although Erasmus had taken on the role of rugby director for the previous four years, he remained in charge of the Springboks, and his influence was as strong as ever as South Africa became the first side in history to win the Webb Ellis Cup for the fourth time.
With Erasmus returning as head coach until 2027, the Springboks recently won the Rugby Championship for the first time in a ‘full’ double-round format. During their drive to the title, the Springboks defeated the All Blacks for the fourth time in 75 years and won the Freedom Cup for the first time in 15 years.
Springbok ‘genius’ Rassie Erasmus is a one-of-a-kind coach
During his first two years as ‘head coach’, Erasmus only won 65% of 26 Tests, but far more context is required to understand how he successfully rebuilt the team culture, game plan, and selection policies while leading South Africa back to the top of the world rugby rankings.
This season, the Springboks’ eight wins in ten Tests with Erasmus returning as ‘head coach’ has increased his victory percentage to 69.4% (in 36 Tests), trailing only Nick Mallett.
Mallett, of course, oversaw a 17-match winning streak during his tenure, whilst 1995 World Cup-winning coach Kitch Christie had a perfect record in 14 Tests.
Perhaps Christie will always be remembered as the best Springbok coach of all time, but he was only in charge for a brief time, and the game was still entirely amateur.
Erasmus has returned to the role of head coach for the next four years, putting him in a position to lead the national team for nearly a decade by the time he retires.
Behind the scenes, there is little doubt that Rassie is a rugby genius, with his meticulous planning and preparation assisting in the empowerment of a number of young players as the Springboks improved their depth while altering their playing style.
More success to come
If the 51-year-old can lead the Springboks to a period of sustained success over the next four years, allowing the national team to attain hegemony between and at World Cups, his accomplishments will be immeasurable.
Additionally, if he leads the Springboks to three World Cup titles… That would be beyond anyone’s wildest imaginations, establishing Johan “Rassie” Erasmus as the greatest Springbok coach of all time.
Who do you think is the greatest Bok coach of all time?
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