The acquisition of former All Black flyhalf Tony Brown as the Springboks’ new attack coach should add another exciting string to the bow of the back-to-back World Cup champions.
Rassie Erasmus, South Africa’s director of rugby, is set to reveal the final pieces of his coaching staff jigsaw puzzle this week, filling the defence role vacated by Jacques Nienaber (Leinster) and the attack role made available by Felix Jones joining England.
According to reports Brown will be Jones’ replacement, with a deal reportedly already signed and sealed for the New Zealander to bring his extensive coaching experience to the world champions.
The playmaker who coached Japan at two World Cups helped the Brave Blossoms secure a first-ever quarter-final place in 2019. He was also a key part of the Highlanders’ Super Rugby title win in 2015.
Brown scored 171 points in 18 Test matches and is no stranger to South Africa, having played for the Sharks and Stormers in Super Rugby. He represented the Stormers in 2008 when Erasmus was the head coach of the Cape franchise.
His appointment could give the Springboks inside knowledge when the world champions face the All Blacks in Johannesburg and Cape Town between August and September.
The 49-year old is known as an innovative attacking genius who will bring new ideas to the Boks.
By winning back-to-back World Cup crowns on the basis of forward dominance, the Boks with Brown on board will have an attack coach that can delve into a playbook containing a cocktail of moves and concepts which should cause nightmares for opposing defences.
It will be fascinating to see how the Springboks‘ attack will change with Brown in the set-up, especially with the X-factor in the squad in the form of Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse, Canan Moodie, Grant Williams, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse amongst others.
Brown’s arrival ticks one of the boxes but there is still the defence coach void to fill with former Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery the leading candidate for that role despite links late last year with recently retired Duane Vermeulen, who looks to be set to take up a position within the Stormers structures.
The Springboks host Ireland in July before two Tests against the All Blacks at home and two away against the Wallabies during the Rugby Championship. They play Argentina home and away to finish out the tournament.
Brown turned down the chance to assist Ian Foster when he was appointed All Blacks coach after the 2019 World Cup. By securing Brown’s signature, Erasmus will register a major victory well in advance of the international window being open for business.
