Rassie Erasmus is already firmly established as one of the most highly-regarded Springbok coaches of all time.

Besides leading the national team to back-to-back World Cup titles, he also oversaw a successful British & Irish Lions series win as well as most recently claiming the Rugby Championship title for the first time in a ‘full’ double round format. 

Furthermore, he has revolutionised the team’s style of play, while embracing a team mantra of ‘Stronger Together’ that united the nation in addition to taking a meaningful stance on transformation.

So, what has led to this success? Perhaps it’s an impossible question to answer, but there have been some fascinating insights from colleagues, players and fellow coaches.

One of which is Bath head coach Johann van Graan, whose high coaching IQ has propelled Bath to the top of the Premiership.

In a recent interview, Van Graan shared his thoughts on the tactical genius that makes Rassie Erasmus the best coach in the world and how the Springboks have evolved into the World’s Number 1 side.

“Three things I’ll say about Rassie… Number one he understands how to win a rugby game. Number two he’s got this gift of understanding what players and people off the field you need to put together in the mix to blend to get a winning team. And number three he absolutely loves South Africa.

“So if you know how to win a game, and know what people you need to do it, and then you love your country, that’s a powerful mix. And look he’s been wonderful with the Springboks and we’re all Proudly South African.”

You can see the full interview and insights about Rassie Erasmus below:

As the 2025 season dawns on the horizon, the Springbok coaches will host their first in-person planning block for the year from Friday 7 March followed by an alignment camp with 56 players in the Mother City from Monday 10 March.

This will be followed by two virtual alignment camps with the Japanese and European-based players and a handful of talented and injured domestic players on Wednesday 27 March.

Springbok management team:
Head Coach: Rassie Erasmus
General Manager: Charles Wessels
Assistant Coaches: Tony Brown, Deon Davids, Jerry Flannery, Daan Human, Felix Jones, Mzwandile Stick
Mobi-Unit Coach: Duane Vermeulen 
Head of Athletic Performance: Andy Edwards 
Laws and Discipline Advisor: Jaco Peyper
Performance Analyst: Paddy Sullivan 
Technical Analyst: Lindsay Weyer
Sport Scientist: Sebastian Prim 
Team Doctor: Dr Jerome Lehlogonolo Mampane
Physiotherapists: Dr Anuerin Robyn, Lance Lemmetjies
Logistics Manager: JJ Fredericks 
Operations Manager: Zintsika Tashe
Media Manager: Zeena Isaacs van Tonder
Dietician: Robyn Moore

HOW MANY GAMES DO YOU THINK THE BOKS WILL WIN THIS SEASON?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/what-makes-rassie-so-special-fellow-coach-picks-three-things/