Springbok assistant coach Jerry Flannery has praised Rassie Erasmus as a visionary leader who has created a unique environment within the world champions’ setup.
Flannery, who earned 41 caps for Ireland, was speaking at the University of Galway coaching conference when he reflected on South Africa’s bruising November victory over his homeland – an 11-point win in Dublin that stretched beyond two chaotic hours and featured a flurry of yellow cards.
Erasmus and his coaching group masterminded back-to-back unbeaten tours of the northern hemisphere. In an interview with Irish public service broadcaster RTE, defensive coach Flannery was full of praise for the Springbok head coach who last week signed on for another four years.
“Rassie is a genius, an incredible coach,” Flannery said. “He’s built something very special – I’m not sure we’ll ever see anything like it again.
“He empowers people, he brings the best out of everyone, and he’s incredibly kind. When the top guy makes all the coaches feel valued and heard, that creates an environment for success.”
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Flannery, who previously worked with Erasmus and fellow Bok assistant coach and Irishman Felix Jones at Munster, added: “Having a tight coaching group is one of the most important foundations for success.”
Flannery has had a front-row seat to the Springboks’ sustained success in recent seasons which has seen the popularity of the sport soar to unprecedented levels.
“South Africa is a rugby-crazy nation,” he said, and issued a warning to rugby rivals looking to take down the Bok juggernaut: “They’re also leaders in world rugby when it comes to physicality.”
Flannery has had to cop flack from Irish fans, some of who have openly called him out for joining the Bok set-up.
“It is a professional sport and everybody is so competitive. I have been called a traitor a couple of times at the Aviva.”
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Despite Ireland’s recent struggles, Flannery had kind words for his home country and urged supporters to remain calm.
“We have been a little bit spoiled in Ireland for a while,” he said. “People are now starting to panic a little bit. Ireland have a fantastic coaching group and are a really tight group; lots of good, young players coming through who can put their hand up. There is massive quality there.”
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