Eben Etzebeth, integral to these successes and now holding the record as South Africa’s most-capped player with 141 Test appearances, emphasized the total buy-in required under Erasmus' leadership.
"If you don’t buy in, it doesn’t matter who you are. You’re just not going to get selected."
Etzebeth elaborated on how Erasmus unified the team, aligning them to a shared vision and reigniting their commitment to the Springbok jersey.
"Rassie came in and got everyone aligned. The core of the group stayed from 2016 and 2017, but he got everyone believing in the plan."
Under Erasmus, the selection philosophy evolved. Etzebeth noted that the best players at club level might not always be the right fit for the national team, reinforcing Erasmus' focus on the bigger strategic picture rather than individual prowess alone.
Regarding the coaching approach, Etzebeth praised the forward-thinking strategies that kept them ahead of their competition, likening Erasmus' methodical planning to that of a strategic character from popular culture.
"I don’t know if you’ve watched Prison Break, but there’s a guy on there, Michael Scofield. He was always one step ahead. That’s how Rassie is with the way he does things."
Erasmus is also credited with fostering an environment where creative and tactical risks are encouraged, leading to innovations such as the 'Bomb Squad' tactic and the use of hybrid players.
"With all the different things he tries and all the different moves, we just buy in. Most of it works," remarked Etzebeth, highlighting the unanimity and effectiveness of this approach.
This ethos of collective agreement and strategic innovation under Erasmus' guidance has not only reshaped the Springboks into a formidable force but also restored their pride and global rugby stature.
