Former Springbok attack coach Swys de Bruin has explained why he would be against a foreign consultant like the Crusaders’ Scott Robertson joining the team’s management staff.
De Bruin was speaking to Sport24 in a wide-ranging interview, where he also opened up on his time with the Springboks and whether they have become over-reliant on their kicking game.
During the interview, the former Lions head coach spoke about suggestions that the Springboks should bring in a foreign consultant, such as Robertson, who has coached the Crusaders to multiple Super Rugby titles and was in the running to replace Steve Hansen as All Blacks head coach.
The Springboks are no strangers to recruiting foreign coaches for valuable input. In the past, Jake White recruited Eddie Jones to shake things up before the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
A poll run by SARugbymag.co.za showed that Robertson was the heavy favourite among fans to join the Bok backroom staff, should they want more ideas.
However, De Bruin said this is something he would not even consider at this stage.
“There have been some suggestions in the media that the Boks would be well-served adding a consultant to their coaching set-up to freshen up ahead of the World Cup. In a SARugby poll, Scott Robertson topped the vote.
“However, if I can be honest with you I wouldn’t even consider that route. Robertson is doing very well and is sitting there with the cream of the crop. He is doing nicely in a very settled franchise but I wouldn’t look for any foreigners in our situation at this stage. Foreign coaches bring fresh ideas at the right places but what the Boks are doing now is very good. Rassie will know how to handle that and who to bring in and who not to as he is a master of that.
“I can tell you one thing for nothing, Rassie is a rugby genius. He has a feel before stuff happens and to me that is a true mark of a real visionary. He has foresight in the game.”
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
