In a riveting discussion on the Rivals podcast, rugby legend Sir John Kirwan didn't hold back in his praise for Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, especially after South Africa's stunning performance against New Zealand in Wellington. Erasmus, who shook up his backline massively, drew admiration from Kirwan, who previously doubted such bold moves.
While All Blacks coach Scott Robertson tends to stick to the script, Erasmus thrives under pressure by innovating and taking risks that often pay off, Kirwan explained. This contrast in coaching philosophy comes at a critical time as teams prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. "The amazing thing about Rassie, under that pressure, he doesn’t fold – he just does what he wants. He changes the team and does a whole lot of different stuff, and wins," Kirwan remarked.
"Rassie's not a South African coach, he’s a South African god. He’s a god over there."
Kirwan also touched on the depth in New Zealand rugby, lamenting the loss of talents like Richie Mo’unga to overseas contracts. He pointed out similar struggles in Australia, highlighting the impact of Will Skelton's return to his club in France. "I don’t think that we have the depth that we had before," he asserted, suggesting that New Zealand Rugby might need to rethink its strategy.
The former Italy and Japan coach praised Erasmus for his willingness to experiment and his ability to maintain support even after losses. This, Kirwan believes, is something the All Blacks could learn from, especially in times of transition. "I agree that we need to play these guys," he said, encouraging more audacity in selection.
Kirwan's endorsement of Erasmus's approach underscores a broader discussion about international rugby coaching strategies, where the balance between consistency and innovation can determine the fate of national teams. As the sport evolves, so too must the tactics of its leaders, whether they are deified in their homelands or merely respected worldwide.
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In a riveting discussion on the Rivals podcast, rugby legend Sir John Kirwan didn't hold back in his praise for Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, especially after South Africa's stunning performance against New Zealand in Wellington. Erasmus, who shook up his backline massively, drew admiration from Kirwan, who previously doubted such bold moves.
While All Blacks coach Scott Robertson tends to stick to the script, Erasmus thrives under pressure by innovating and taking risks that often pay off, Kirwan explained. This contrast in coaching philosophy comes at a critical time as teams prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. "The amazing thing about Rassie, under that pressure, he doesn’t fold – he just does what he wants. He changes the team and does a whole lot of different stuff, and wins," Kirwan remarked.
"Rassie's not a South African coach, he’s a South African god. He’s a god over there."
Kirwan also touched on the depth in New Zealand rugby, lamenting the loss of talents like Richie Mo’unga to overseas contracts. He pointed out similar struggles in Australia, highlighting the impact of Will Skelton's return to his club in France. "I don’t think that we have the depth that we had before," he asserted, suggesting that New Zealand Rugby might need to rethink its strategy.
The former Italy and Japan coach praised Erasmus for his willingness to experiment and his ability to maintain support even after losses. This, Kirwan believes, is something the All Blacks could learn from, especially in times of transition. "I agree that we need to play these guys," he said, encouraging more audacity in selection.
Kirwan's endorsement of Erasmus's approach underscores a broader discussion about international rugby coaching strategies, where the balance between consistency and innovation can determine the fate of national teams. As the sport evolves, so too must the tactics of its leaders, whether they are deified in their homelands or merely respected worldwide.