Rassie Erasmus: The controversial genius behind South Africa’s rugby dominance
Former England international Ben Foden praised Rassie Erasmus as a divisive yet innovative leader whose controversial social media presence and strategic innovations, like the Bomb Squad, have contributed to the Springboks’ dominance in rugby, including back-to-back World Cup victories. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
It’s no secret that Rassie Erasmus is a divisive figure and the degree of his rugby genius is often debated depending on your national allegiance, and former England international Ben Foden said the Springbok coach is definitely good for the game.
Since they’ve won the last two Rugby World Cup titles in a row, the dominance of the Springboks is begrudgingly acknowledged outside of South Africa.
The Springboks, and by extension Erasmus, are widely regarded as the most innovative rugby nation.
The Bomb Squad (a 7-1 split on the bench of seven forwards and just one back), for example, are innovations made by Erasmus.
Unlike almost every other international rugby coach, Erasmus is not shy about using social media to shift the narrative, often with controversial posts.
Ben Foden Praises South Africa’s Head Coach for Leadership and Character
“When you win back-to-back World Cups and you've been sitting at number one in the world for the last few years, it helps! I'm sure the air that he breathes is very crisp and very rarified. He can't really put a foot wrong,” Foden BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest Six Nations odds.
“But I’m sure he comes under pressure as well. He's got to maintain it. He's already in the papers saying he's not interested in watching England because he's only interested in who is going to be the next threat for South Africa. He's always stirring the pot. He always knows how to get the best out of his players. We've seen that from sort of behind the scenes of different TV shows and things he's been involved in.
“It's great to have characters, to have a head coach that's willing to be out there, putting himself on the block. He's got the will and the nerve to back it up and luckily, he's coaching a great bunch of guys who back up his words every time they go out in the field.”