Schalk Brits says Rassie Erasmus has ignited a resurgence in Springbok scrummaging prowess, with a focus on the reigning world champions winning penalties at the set-piece.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Planet Rugby, the former hooker also credits SA’s director of rugby for fostering a culture of unity and learning within the Bok squad.
Brits had been convinced by Erasmus to come out of retirement in 2018, and became the oldest World Cup winner at 38 years old when South Africa beat England at Japan 2019.
“When Rassie Erasmus took over as Springbok coach, we had a long discussion about scrummaging and why we weren’t as dominant as we should be,” Brits said.
He reveals that Erasmus challenged the players to embrace scrummaging as a weapon, even aiming to win penalties in every scrum, emphasising that the 6-2 bench split – aka, the Bomb Squad – was designed to support this strategy.
“When the referee pings for a scrum, then we are there, ready and waiting to contribute and make a quantitative difference to the team and the scoreboard; no hiding, no passive scrumming, just every single one a moment to dominate our opposing pack,” Brits said.
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The 15-Test campaigner explains how the key to Bok success has been building strong relationships within the team, as well as understanding one another’s motivations, and practising without ego.
The Bok pack pursued complete dominance in the scrums, Brits adds, with every set-piece being an opportunity to shine.
“We wanted our opponents to fear engaging with us. We want our smiles of excitement to be met with groans of frustration and trepidation,” he said.
He says Erasmus also implemented a change in win bonuses to ensure that contributions were recognised equally, regardless of whether a player started or came off the bench.
Brits mentions that different players like Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe had distinct styles, but they worked together as a unit, while Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, both technicians, brought their unique attributes to the scrum.
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