Australia coach Eddie Jones believes it’s in South African players’ DNA to play a physical brand of rugby and seek contact whenever possible.
Jones, who was dumped by England in December, will start his second tenure with the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld in July when their Rugby Championship kicks off against the Springboks in Pretoria.
The 62-year-old previously coached the Wallabies between 2001 and 2005, and masterminded Japan’s famous 2015 World Cup win over the Boks in Brighton.
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In a wide-ranging interview on Stan Sport, Jones was asked about his approach to coaching different countries and highlighted his stint as a consultant to South Africa at the 2007 World Cup.
“The process is always the same. The only differences is that there are cultural differences, like you know, coaching South Africa,” he said.
“I remember we were playing against England in 2007 in the second round of the tournament [and] half time we were 30-0 ahead.
“With the Australian side, you come in at 30-0 you want to put them to the sword. South Africa? Give them the ball in the second half and let’s practise our defence. Give them the ball.
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“We ended up winning 36-0 and they were happy as Larry. Because they want to hit people, you know? So that’s the difference.
Jones added: “English like to be very organised … a high level of organistation. You find the elements of the country’s society affects the way the team plays.
“Japan had always copied other countries. It was funny, because post-World War II they were innovators, but in rugby they’d always copied other countries.
“So what we tried to do there was just develop their own style … fast, quick.”
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