Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has voiced his skepticism about the rugby community's rush to mimic Rassie Erasmus's tactics with the Springboks, cautioning that what works for South Africa might not suit everyone. As the rugby giants prepare for their epic four-Test series later this year, Hansen emphasized the importance of each team forging its unique path rather than cloning the strategies of the reigning world champions.
During his appearance on the DSPN podcast, Hansen expressed his concerns.
"What Rassie Erasmus has done, it seems like everyone in world rugby is looking at that and saying: 'That’s the model,'"
Hansen remarked. He highlighted a growing trend where teams are altering their approach, selection, and player management to mirror the Springboks' methods.
While Hansen, who led New Zealand to their 2015 Rugby World Cup victory, acknowledges the effectiveness of Erasmus's strategies, he remains unconvinced that the All Blacks could, or should, attempt a direct imitation. "You can take elements of it," he admitted, "But I’m not convinced New Zealand can follow that exact same model or that it’s right for our country."
Despite the Springboks' dominance on the international stage, including consecutive Rugby Championship titles and World Cup victories, Hansen remains optimistic about the All Blacks' chances.
"Of course they can be beaten,"
he asserted confidently. "Everyone can be beaten. If you get comfortable, you’ll get beaten and if you make mistakes in your preparation, you’ll get beaten."
Hansen also expressed enthusiasm for the All Blacks' return to a full-scale tour in South Africa, reminiscent of rugby's golden era. "We haven’t done it for a long, long time," he said. "What a great place to go. South Africa is steeped in history and traditionally our strongest foe. They’re a wonderful side at the moment and it creates a lot of excitement and challenges for New Zealand."
This forthcoming Greatest Rivalry series not only revives historical contests but also sets the stage for an intense showcase of strategy, talent, and national pride, pushing each team to either innovate or adhere to proven formulas.
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Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has voiced his skepticism about the rugby community's rush to mimic Rassie Erasmus's tactics with the Springboks, cautioning that what works for South Africa might not suit everyone. As the rugby giants prepare for their epic four-Test series later this year, Hansen emphasized the importance of each team forging its unique path rather than cloning the strategies of the reigning world champions.
During his appearance on the DSPN podcast, Hansen expressed his concerns.
"What Rassie Erasmus has done, it seems like everyone in world rugby is looking at that and saying: 'That’s the model,'"
Hansen remarked. He highlighted a growing trend where teams are altering their approach, selection, and player management to mirror the Springboks' methods.While Hansen, who led New Zealand to their 2015 Rugby World Cup victory, acknowledges the effectiveness of Erasmus's strategies, he remains unconvinced that the All Blacks could, or should, attempt a direct imitation. "You can take elements of it," he admitted, "But I’m not convinced New Zealand can follow that exact same model or that it’s right for our country."
Despite the Springboks' dominance on the international stage, including consecutive Rugby Championship titles and World Cup victories, Hansen remains optimistic about the All Blacks' chances.
"Of course they can be beaten,"
he asserted confidently. "Everyone can be beaten. If you get comfortable, you’ll get beaten and if you make mistakes in your preparation, you’ll get beaten."Hansen also expressed enthusiasm for the All Blacks' return to a full-scale tour in South Africa, reminiscent of rugby's golden era. "We haven’t done it for a long, long time," he said. "What a great place to go. South Africa is steeped in history and traditionally our strongest foe. They’re a wonderful side at the moment and it creates a lot of excitement and challenges for New Zealand."
This forthcoming Greatest Rivalry series not only revives historical contests but also sets the stage for an intense showcase of strategy, talent, and national pride, pushing each team to either innovate or adhere to proven formulas.