With Jacques Nienaber having joined Leinster after winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup, who should replace him as the Bok defence coach?
A possibility exists that Rassie Erasmus, who has officially reclaimed the title of head coach, may absorb Nienaber’s duties as the Bok defence coach.
Duane Vermeulen was spotted in the coaching box during South Africa’s World Cup loss to Ireland. Having recently announced his retirement, Duane Vermeulen – a vital cog in executing South Africa’s defensive systems on the field over the past decade – is rumoured to have his name in the hat, despite being more heavily linked to a coaching role at the Stormers.
Earlier this year, Erasmus hinted at recruiting a member of the Stormers’ coaching staff following another successful Vodacom URC campaign, with defence coach Norman Laker the purported target.
Laker first served as John Dobson’s defence coach of the WP Vodacom Cup and Under-21 teams in 2014, and has been in his current role at the Stormers since 2020.
Another candidate is Sharks defence coach, Joey Mongalo. He held defence and head coach roles at the Lions from 2011 to 2019 and served as the Bulls defence coach from 2020 to 2022 before making a move to Durban in 2022.
URC Boks: Let the players decide!
A highly experienced coach who has plied his trade across the world, former Bok assistant coach Gary Gold is another potential candidate to replace Nienaber.
Gold was forwards and head coach of London Irish and Western Province in the early 2000s before being appointed by Peter de Villiers as an assistant coach of the Boks in 2008. He has since coached Bath, Kobelco Steelers, the Sharks, Worcester Warriors and the USA Eagles before being recruited by Jake White to rebuild the Bulls defence.
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Former Bok centre and 2007 World Cup winner, Jaque Fourie is currently defence coach at the Lions where he started his playing career. With his pedigree as a former player, and the appetite he has added to the Lions’ defence, would Fourie be a good fit for the Boks?
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