Rassie

Rassie Erasmus, the South African rugby coach, is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential coaches in world rugby. He led the Springboks to victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which was a monumental achievement for both him and South African rugby. Describing him as a "poor coach" would be inaccurate, as his track record speaks to his expertise, strategic thinking, and ability to inspire and develop players.

However, like any high-profile coach, Erasmus has faced criticism at times, especially for his controversial statements or actions. In 2021, his public criticism of refereeing decisions during the British & Irish Lions tour was widely discussed. Nonetheless, his success and achievements on the field, especially with the Springboks, have cemented his reputation as one of the top coaches in the sport.

Rassie Erasmus and the South African team did indeed win the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which further solidified his reputation as a top-tier coach. The claim that their victory was due to "luck" is certainly debatable. While there are always factors that can be considere d lucky—such as refereeing decisions, individual moments of brilliance, or fortuitous circumstances—Erasmus' coaching methods, preparation, and leadership played a huge role in South Africa’s success.

Erasmus is known for his strategic approach to the game, his focus on physical conditioning, and his ability to bring out the best in his players. Under his guidance, South Africa developed a formidable tactical game, emphasizing strong defense, forward dominance, and clinical finishing. The team's success wasn't just a result of chance, but rather years of meticulous planning, player development, and a deep understanding of the modern game.

That said, rugby, like all sports, has elements of unpredictability, and a small number of "lucky" moments can influence the outcome. However, it's the overall preparation and skill that make teams like the Springboks so difficult to beat, and Erasmus deserves credit for his role in their victories, including in 2023.

Rassie Erasmus is certainly one of the most successful and impactful coaches in South African rugby history, but whether he is the "best" coach of all time is a matter of debate and perspective.

Erasmus' accomplishments are remarkable, especially leading South Africa to victory in both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. These achievements, combined with his success in transforming the team and revitalizing South African rugby after a challenging period, place him among the elite. His ability to create a winning culture, build a team with strong tactical discipline, and focus on physicality and strategic depth has earned him widespread praise.

However, when comparing him to other legendary South African coaches, such as Kitch Christie, who led the Springboks to victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, or Jake White, who guided the team to the 2007 Rugby World Cup title, it's clear that Erasmus has stiff competition. Christie’s triumph in 1995 had a huge cultural and national significance, as it helped unite a post-apartheid South Africa. White’s 2007 World Cup win also demonstrated tactical astuteness, particularly with a focus on strong defense and set-piece play.

Erasmus’ achievements are impressive, but some may argue that coaches like Christie and White have had their own legacies that could be seen as equally significant.

In summary, while Erasmus is undoubtedly among the greatest South African coaches of all time, whether he is the absolute "best" could be subjective, depending on personal perspectives and the weight one gives to different achievements and circumstances.

Obviously Chat...

If one goes by the trophy cabinet alone then without a doubt Rassie is the best, however, Christie and White came out of a different era and different environments, both though were meritorious coaches. Christie achieved both the improbable and the impossible, the win was epic as it united a nation and brought joy to millions. Winning the RWC was mesmerizing as we know the Boks were not the best team in the tournament. 

Jake cut his cloth to the material in hand, kept it simple and proved to be a master of playing to his strengths. Sure it was boring rugby but again, arguably not the best team in the tournament, however, he read it right and delivered, that is greatness.

Rassie is handling the politicians and transformation much better than any coach before him...and that's the most difficult and most important part of coaching rugby in South Africa.

Rassie is handling the politicians and transformation much better than any coach before him...and that's the most difficult and most important part of coaching rugby in South Africa.

Rassie is handling the politicians and transformation much better than any coach before him...and that's the most difficult and most important part of coaching rugby in South Africa.

You forget, players of colour weren't quite ready for higher duties in both Meyer and White's time as they are now in Rassie's time. But even though they weren't ready Meyer and White were forced to make quota selections. From that aspect it's a lot easier for Rassie.

Because Rassie started developing at grassroot level way back as Stormers coach and then as developer at SARugby in the Snorre years...he bought in many years ago and is reaping the fruits now...

Best rugby talent pool since readmission, no great teams as opponents, less political interference, lots of luck.

On the downside…we still offload at half the rate of opponents. Our tries come from broken play and mauls. No new skills are evident.

Harrassmiss’ biggest success is getting the Boks a more than fair deal from refs. But was it worth it. Not for him personally, but maybe for the Boks. The RWC final and the Cain red was a classical example that gifted us the WC.

Pool is the same as ever...

Coetzee's lot lost with cricket scores...Heineke couldn't beat the Allblacks in 4 years...Rassie did it first game and in NZ nogal...and did it regularly ever since...when last did we lose to the shaggers???...it's not even close...

Our WC loss in 2015 against a great AB team by 2 points, was way better than our WC win by 1 point in the 2023 final, against a weak All Black  team playing a man down for a net 40 minutes.

As for beating the All Blacks, Snor did it 3 times in one year….does that make him a great coach. Up your game Draad you porridge brain.

2023 ABs 9 won/3 #

2015 ABs 11 won/1 lost

2007 ABs 10 won/2 lost.

….

2024 ABs 10 won/4 lost.#

The AB teams Harrassmiss played are marked with a hashtag for your convenience,

The current AB team is the equivalent of the 2003  Boks.  No NZfan would rank the 2023 team with the 2015 team. You do because it supports your case. Dave you know enough about rugby to know that’s absolute nonsense.

This from All Black Rugby:

ChatGPT All Blacks XV

1: Tony Woodcock
2: Dane Coles
3: Carl Hayman
4: Brodie Retallick
5: Ian Jones
6: Richie McCaw (captain)
7: Michael Jones
8: Kieran Read
9: Aaron Smith
10: Dan Carter
11: Jonah Lomu
12: Ma'a Nonu
13: Conrad Smith
14: John Kirwan
15: Christian Cullen

……

Two players were in the final against us in 2023….Aaron Smith and a fading Brodie Retallik.

Eight players were against us in the 2015 semi….Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Reid, Richie McCaw, Brodie Retallik, Dane Coles.

2015 was leagues better than 2023. The only player I’d select from 2023 apart from Retallik and Smith is Ardi  Savea

Matfield came on in the 2015 sdemi and lest the amtch for he  Sprigboks ho had a cahnc e of beating the AB's bar his BS during the time he played,     

The situation was that unde previous caoches  ig was harder i he S pringboks to be dropped fom squad thn it was or enw Spingboks being selected,   Easmus chose the best players  available at any given time and did away with the quota system.    

The myth playes some of our members support has never been valued Springboks and the hysteria about some players is hilarious  especilly when they bliee the know more about rugby than Erasmus does.    .        .    .     

So the experts are wrong.

Dave anybody with even a casual interest in rugby knows the All Blacks have declined significantly from the great phase they had from 2011 through 2015.

That more than anything a else explains Rasmus’ success,

Pollard…he misses 1 of  9 kicks…..like Ramos or Jordie Barrett…..we don’t make it. And the only reason he was there was because Marx got hurt.

But then you have been told that before and pretend it isn’t happening.

We still won.