In 2023, the Springboks became the first team to win four World Cup titles, with a different head coach having overseen each successful campaign.

In between the World Cup triumphs, there have also been other successful coaches who have enjoyed periods of success. So, how would they all compare?

Here, we cast our opinion.

THREE GREATEST SPRINGBOK COACHES OF THE MODERN ERA

1 Rassie Erasmus

When Rassie Erasmus took over as Springbok coach in 2008, the team was in a state of turmoil. However, in less than two years he masterminded the Springboks’ charge to World Cup glory, while fostering a culture of unity and transparency.

Erasmus subsequently guided the side to success in the 2021 British & Irish Lions series even as he shifted his role to director of rugby, although he remained very much at the helm as he worked hand-in-hand with Jacques Nienaber as the team went on to retain the Webb Ellis Cup in historic fashion in 2023.

With Erasmus resuming duties as head coach until 2027, he oversaw the Springboks recently claiming the Rugby Championship for the first time in a ‘full’ double round format.

During this run to the title, the Springboks also recorded a historic fourth consecutive win against the All Blacks for the first time in 75 years, and lifted the Freedom Cup for the first time in 15 years.

His win percentage as coach now sits at 71.8%, but far greater context is required considering how he successfully rebuilt the team culture, game-plan and selection policies, while leading South Africa back to the summit of the world rugby rankings.

Erasmus’ tenure is not over yet, and so it’s probably premature to suggest he is the greatest-ever Springbok coach, but as it stands, it’s hard to argue with such a sentiment.

2. Kitch Christie

It is not easy to make this selection when one considers that Christie was in charge for only 14 Test matches, but how can you argue with a 100% win record?

Keep in mind that Christie took over at a pivotal time in the lead up to the 1995 Rugby World Cup, hosted by South Africa, effectively being afforded just nine months to transform the team into World Cup contenders after he replaced Ian McIntosh.

During that time, Christie found the means to not only bring the team together in the midst of a high pressure and highly political South African environment, but also enabled them to play an effective brand of winning rugby.

The World Cup would start with a stunning win over Australia before ending in historic fashion as the Springboks overcame the mighty All Blacks, forming a brilliant strategy to nullify the threat of superstar wing Jonah Lomu.

Christie only coached the Springboks in three more Tests before ill health forced him to step down, but what a legacy he left behind.

3. Jake White

It’s almost an impossible choice between Jake White and Nick Mallet, who led the Springboks on a historic winning streak of 17 consecutive Tests between 1997 and 1998.

However, the work of White cannot be overlooked when one considers how he took on the Springbok top job in the wake of a failed 2003 World Cup campaign and Kamp Staaldraad scandal.

Despite the difficulties that the Springboks were facing, one of his first actions was to tell the group of gathered players that in four years’ time they would be standing over the Webb Ellis Cup.

His grand plan would famously come to fruition in France, but even at the start of his tenure White enjoyed great success as he coached South Africa to their first Tri-Nations trophy since 1998. 

The Springbok resurgence was recognised with a sweep of the major World Rugby awards, but that is not to say there were not difficult times that lay ahead.

After a treacherous 2006 season, which included a 49-0 loss to Australia, White very nearly lost his job. However, he ultimately received backing to take the team through to the 2007 World Cup – where he masterminded a stunning undefeated run to the title.

Although White ended his tenure with just a 66.7% win record as coach, there can be no debating his impact as Springbok boss.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THESE DIFFERING POLICIES?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/ranked-three-greatest-springbok-coaches-of-all-time/