Former Springbok skipper Jean de Villiers believes Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery would be invaluable additions to Rassie Erasmus’ national coaching setup.
Reports suggest that former All Blacks flyhalf Brown, previously an assistant coach for Japan and at the Highlanders, has inked his contract as an attack coach, while ex-Ireland hooker Flannery, currently an assistant at Harlequins, is tipped to assume the role of defence coach.
Speaking to Netwerk24, De Villiers, who played alongside both during his career, commends Brown’s creativity and is optimistic about his potential contribution to the Boks.
“I really enjoyed Tony in the year [2008] he was with the Stormers in terms of how he looked at the game and the ideas he brought,” De Villiers told Netwerk24.
“Tony is very creative with his proposals and you could see that in Japan as well. I think he would be a very good asset to Springbok rugby, should he get that role.
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“The biggest asset is that he played for a very long time and then immediately got involved in coaching. Since then he has been involved in coaching all the time. You can benefit from the insights you get from all his playing days – whether it was in New Zealand, Japan or here in South Africa – and also as a coach.”
De Villiers highlights the importance of Erasmus’ familiarity and trust in his support staff, especially given his past collaboration with Flannery at Munster.
He added: “I think it’s important for Rassie that the coaches who come in are guys he knows and trusts. Jerry was part of a wonderful era of Munster rugby and also got involved in coaching soon after his playing days, when Rassie took over Munster. They then worked together and he is also doing well at Quins.
“It’s experience and new eyes, which maybe approach the game differently than the guys currently in the setup. It’s always nice when you get a different perspective.”
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