Ireland's rugby icon Brian O'Driscoll doesn't mince words when it comes to Rassie Erasmus, the polarizing figure steering the Springboks. While acknowledging that Erasmus might not be everyone's cup of tea, O'Driscoll insists that his impact on South African rugby is undeniable. This comes in the wake of the Springboks' recent triumph over Ireland in Dublin, a victory that marked Erasmus' first win at the Aviva Stadium as a coach, ending a personal and national drought.
The Springboks' 24-13 win over Andy Farrell's squad wasn't just another game. It was a statement. Dominating the set-pieces yet not quite turning it into a blowout score, South Africa left the field with a score that somewhat flattered the Irish. This win isn't just about points; it's about Erasmus proving a point.
On the "Off the Ball" podcast, O'Driscoll discussed the multifaceted nature of Erasmus' character: the good, the bad, and the cranky, which all seem to play into his coaching ethos. Mick McCarthy, the show's host, praised Erasmus for unlocking the Springboks' potential like no one else before him.
"It's really a remarkable job that he's done because he's such an interesting character, and it's so full of the bad side, and the cranky side and then the charm as well, and that's almost all sideshow to the job he's doing as a coach," McCarthy remarked.
O'Driscoll responded with insight into Erasmus' complex relationship with his achievements and critics. "I don’t think you have to like him to have a huge appreciation for what he’s managed to deliver in the time that he’s come in as director of rugby in 2018," he said. The victory at the World Cup in 2019, which came earlier than the Boks expected, only solidified Erasmus' legacy as a transformative figure.
The conversation veered towards Erasmus' notorious 'chip on his shoulder,' with O'Driscoll explaining how this edge has been a driving force in maintaining competitive aggression, a sentiment that seems to resonate throughout the team.
"And now, they are just going from strength to strength and Rassie has got a real chip on his shoulder still, like the cameras pan to the box and all of the like mouthing to the fans and you've just beaten us up," O'Driscoll remarked.
Erasmus' approach, compared by some to legendary figures like Sir Alex Ferguson, seems to keep his players hungry for more, despite their successes. This mentality might just be what sets the Springboks as favorites if a World Cup were to kick off next month, a testament to a journey not just of victories, but of proving points and breaking barriers.
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Ireland's rugby icon Brian O'Driscoll doesn't mince words when it comes to Rassie Erasmus, the polarizing figure steering the Springboks. While acknowledging that Erasmus might not be everyone's cup of tea, O'Driscoll insists that his impact on South African rugby is undeniable. This comes in the wake of the Springboks' recent triumph over Ireland in Dublin, a victory that marked Erasmus' first win at the Aviva Stadium as a coach, ending a personal and national drought.
The Springboks' 24-13 win over Andy Farrell's squad wasn't just another game. It was a statement. Dominating the set-pieces yet not quite turning it into a blowout score, South Africa left the field with a score that somewhat flattered the Irish. This win isn't just about points; it's about Erasmus proving a point.
On the "Off the Ball" podcast, O'Driscoll discussed the multifaceted nature of Erasmus' character: the good, the bad, and the cranky, which all seem to play into his coaching ethos. Mick McCarthy, the show's host, praised Erasmus for unlocking the Springboks' potential like no one else before him.
"It's really a remarkable job that he's done because he's such an interesting character, and it's so full of the bad side, and the cranky side and then the charm as well, and that's almost all sideshow to the job he's doing as a coach," McCarthy remarked.
O'Driscoll responded with insight into Erasmus' complex relationship with his achievements and critics. "I don’t think you have to like him to have a huge appreciation for what he’s managed to deliver in the time that he’s come in as director of rugby in 2018," he said. The victory at the World Cup in 2019, which came earlier than the Boks expected, only solidified Erasmus' legacy as a transformative figure.
The conversation veered towards Erasmus' notorious 'chip on his shoulder,' with O'Driscoll explaining how this edge has been a driving force in maintaining competitive aggression, a sentiment that seems to resonate throughout the team.
"And now, they are just going from strength to strength and Rassie has got a real chip on his shoulder still, like the cameras pan to the box and all of the like mouthing to the fans and you've just beaten us up," O'Driscoll remarked.
Erasmus' approach, compared by some to legendary figures like Sir Alex Ferguson, seems to keep his players hungry for more, despite their successes. This mentality might just be what sets the Springboks as favorites if a World Cup were to kick off next month, a testament to a journey not just of victories, but of proving points and breaking barriers.