Sir Steve Hansen, a legendary figure in rugby coaching, has weighed in on the playing style of Rassie Erasmus' Springboks, offering a critical perspective that challenges the team's self-proclaimed desire for a faster, more attacking game. Hansen, known for his strategic acumen and success against South Africa during his tenure as New Zealand's head coach, presents a compelling argument that the Springboks' approach remains rooted in their traditional strengths, despite recent suggestions to the contrary.
Hansen's insight into the Springboks' strategy is particularly intriguing. He highlights their continued investment in kicking and physicality, traits that have long been associated with South African rugby. While the team may have made some adjustments, Hansen argues that these changes are superficial, and the core of their game remains unchanged. This perspective is supported by Ewen McKenzie, a former coach of the Wallabies and Queensland Reds, who agrees that the Springboks' strengths lie in their ability to retain possession and frustrate their opponents.
One of the key points Hansen makes is that the Springboks' 'superpower' is their refusal to lose. This resilience and determination are qualities that have served them well in the past, but they can also be a double-edged sword. When faced with a team that can frustrate them, the Springboks' traditional strengths may not be enough. Hansen suggests that teams like France, with their quick taps and retention of possession, could theoretically put pressure on the Springboks by forcing them to play a rushing defense.
The challenge for teams facing the Springboks, according to Hansen, is to take away what they want. This means frustrating the Springboks and disrupting their rhythm. Hansen provides a practical example of how this can be achieved: by using great footwork and making the Springboks feel like they can't get a decent tackle on, teams can start to frustrate them. This, in turn, can lead to discipline issues, as Hansen notes that when a team gets frustrated, their discipline often goes out the door.
Hansen's analysis extends to the recent performance of England against the Springboks. He criticizes Steve Borthwick's team for starting the game poorly, giving the Springboks a 17-point head start. Hansen emphasizes the importance of starting strong, especially against the best team in the world, and suggests that England's poor start was a critical factor in their defeat.
In conclusion, Sir Steve Hansen's commentary offers a critical and insightful perspective on the Springboks' playing style. His analysis highlights the team's traditional strengths and the challenges they face when confronted with a well-executed strategy to frustrate them. Hansen's insights are particularly valuable for teams looking to beat the Springboks, as they provide a roadmap for disrupting their rhythm and exploiting their vulnerabilities. While the Springboks may have made some adjustments, Hansen's argument that they remain rooted in their traditional strengths is a compelling one, and it will be fascinating to see how they adapt in the future.
