Rassie Erasmus curtailed many Springbok careers - now Dave Rennie must do the same
The Springboks and Wallabies were at similar crossroads midway through the last World Cup cycle.
Both powerhouses were languishing with inconsistent results, ending up on the wrong side of an occasional lopsided thumping.
The 2017 series between the Wallabies and Springboks ended with two draws, perhaps the surest indication that the two teams were roughly in the same place.
However, after that year, one made drastic changes and one didn’t.
Two years later the two nations are in drastically different places but the lessons from Erasmus’ takeover will surely be taken and used by Dave Rennie and the Wallabies.
SARU employed a Director of Rugby for the first time ever in Rassie Erasmus in December 2017. Shortly after, Allister Coetzee was sacked as head coach of the Springboks with Erasmus taking over in 2018 as a caretaker.
Rugby Australia continued on with Michael Chieka’s reign despite 2017 being one of the worst seasons on record, which lead to another disastrous run in 2018.
Many of the Springboks squad inherited by Rassie Erasmus have not pulled on the green jersey since.
Lions fullback Andries Coetzee who played nearly every test in 2017 hasn’t played once under Erasmus.
Halfback Ross Cronje, who kept Faf de Klerk from starting regularly at Super Rugby level and sent him to the Premiership, was dumped as soon as Erasmus took over despite 10 starts in 2017.
Wingers Courtnall Skosan and Raymond Rhule, lethal with ball in hand but turnstiles in defence, have not been seen since that season.
Stormers’ dynamic utility Dillyn Lleyds has made a solitary appearance after being a staple of the 2017 side.
These players hadn’t suffered a sudden drop in domestic form, however. The Lions Super Rugby team that made three straight finals had naturally formed a large portion of the Springbok side.
But South African Rugby had become seduced by the attacking rugby played by the Lions and, by extension, the All Blacks. They were chasing a game that their players couldn’t quite pull off at Test level, leading to some horrific periods of error-strewn rugby.
It was not the hardnosed style of rugby Erasmus had envisioned for the Springboks, and therefore these players would not fit the required standards.
The 57-0 drubbing at Albany on the North Shore by the All Blacks, the 57-16 thumping the year prior in Durban and the 38-3 loss in Dublin highlighted flakey and soft defence not fit for Erasmus’ version of Test rugby.
The door was abruptly shut to many of those responsible. The Springboks narrowed their game towards physicality and defence, simplifying their attack and pushing a ruthless, aggressive defence.
Changes to the Springbok eligibility rules opened up a swathe of expat players to Erasmus. Faf de Klerk, Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Duane Vermeulen and Francois Louw were swiftly drafted back in.
Other improving homegrown talent, like Makazole Mapimpi, Sbu Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Aphiwe Dyanti, RG Snyman and Andre Esterhuizen, were blooded or rose in standing.
Erasmus capped 19 new Springboks in his first year in charge in 2018, the most since 2002 when 20 new caps were given out.
When the regime changes, so do careers.
For the Wallabies, this isn’t a ‘hand-the-baton’ to a successful assistant type of handover. It is a ‘strip this mess down and rebuild’ type of change.
Michael Cheika’s regime was blindfully loyal to a handful of non-performing stars and project players, while wins dropped to historical lows as the reality disconnect widened.
A generational talent, Kurtley Beale, finished the Cheika-era poetically with the kind of act Cheika’s team became renown for – he picked up a loose pass on his own 22, ran twenty metres across field before throwing a wild looping, sitting duck, cutout pass another twenty metres into the arms of Anthony Watson.
Beale has been in this Wallabies side since 2009, through three World Cups, amassing 92 caps and will go down one of Australia’s best ever talents.
Despite the on-field reputation built in the earlier part of his career, he cannot replicate the athletic feats of his 23-year-old self.
If the Wallabies are seriously looking towards 2023, Beale’s international career already ended with that pass in Oita. He will be 35 years old in France.
As a comparison, All Black Ben Smith was 33 years old last year and became a supporting member in Hansen’s World Cup squad.
Cheika’s regime persisted with players out of position, such as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto at blindside flanker.
As an edge runner, he was found wanting and in defence offered a mismatch for opposition backs. As a carrying option, he was inconsistent and his upright running was a liability.
Many would consider him a lock masquerading as a loose forward. Without the backing of Cheika, his international career could quickly stall.
Another Cheika-project pushed through early is the energetic lock Izack Rodda.
A big man with a big heart, Rodda’s hands let him down way too much at the international level with costly stone-cold drops a regular occurrence.
Rodda’s handling skills are lacking and doubts exist whether they meet the standard required by Rennie.
If Michael Hooper isn’t Dave Rennie’s captain where does that leave him? As captain, he would be guaranteed to start. Without the armband, however, his guarantee is revoked.
Liam Wright’s defensive numbers in Super Rugby this year are directly comparable to Michael Hooper’s.
If Wright is deemed a better lineout option, and Rennie has no desire to use a 7 as an edge-running wing, there is every chance Hooper is marginalised towards a bench role or splitting time in the 7 jersey with an up-and-comer like Wright.
A leader with endless heart for the cause, Hooper brings intangibles. There are few as tough as the New South Welshmen, but it’s undeniable there has been a lack of wins with Hooper at openside and as captain. In search of a winning formula, every option has to be tried if the Wallabies are committed to actually winning.
If Rennie wants a different captain, Hooper’s grounding isn’t so solid.
Australian Rugby has an abundance of young talent worthy of investing Wallabies caps in this year and 2021 – Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Isaac Lucas, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio among a few.
There are many players on the periphery that could service just as well as the incumbents – Matt Phillip, Jack Dempsey, Tom Banks, Tom Cusack, Lachlan McCaffrey, that weren’t given anywhere near the chance of others who didn’t perform.
More talent will continue to filter through from the successful Australian under-20 side that made the World Championship final in 2019, and the Australian schoolboy side that toppled their New Zealand counterparts.
If a losing culture is to be crushed and buried, there is no room for fairytale swansongs if the team is truly greater than the individual. Those heading to the Premiership for a short-term stint when rugby returns should probably look at getting a full ride.
The Wallabies wallowed under Cheika’s eye for so long that the impending culling may take some by surprise – but it will be a refreshing and much-needed jolt to Wallabies rugby when it happens.
Even with the same squad, Rennie could improve the results by taking Erasmus’ approach and simplifying things to avoid brain dead errors and self-driven capitulations.
By cleaning house at the same time, he has every chance to right the ship within 12-18 months.
Comments on RugbyPass
I hope WRU cops a 12 month ban.
1 Go to commentsOuch. Pumped. Even Nohamba is a better flyhalf than Ford.
2 Go to commentsI hope Leinster’s proud of themselves fielding a poor team. They should decide if they’re all in or not.
2 Go to commentsJordie is looking at 16 games maximum if Leinster reach both the URC and champions cup finals. Thats not guaranteed. Some of those home URC fixtures will be cakewalks as well for Leinster and there is not much doing during the 6 nations in Feb and March so he can probably get a decent rest then. He will have to really put in it for maybe 7 or 8 games max. It should be a good move for both.
13 Go to commentsThe game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
27 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
13 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
13 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
6 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
26 Go to comments