Springbok assistant coach Jerry Flannery, who took over the role as Springbok defence coach following the team’s triumphant 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, spoke highly of Australian coach Joe Schmidt and what he is achieving with his team.
"We played against Australia when Joe came in after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and one could pick up more about his coaching philosophy," said Flannery.
"They play a lot of direct rugby with an awful lot of detail. We know the breakdowns are a big part of their game. Most teams want quick ball on attack, and that has been a key area for them, especially because Joe is so meticulous and he has players aligned to their plan."
"His detail is great, and he’s been able to get his players to play their potential and fire."
On what the Springboks could expect from the ever-improving Aussies, Flannery said that: "I wasn’t surprised with their improvement, because I knew they were better than they showed in the first Test."
"I think they were a lot more confrontational, and they were obviously massively disappointed to lose the second Test."
"But they were in the mix, and I think the narrative that is out there now is that Australian rugby is on the up and they will be looking to target us and keep building that."
"Like for most teams, in attack, getting quick ball is going to be the big thing for them."
"You could say the breakdown is key to stopping them. Joe’s teams are meticulously planned, not just for the first three phases but for five or six. That requires accuracy at the breakdown, and they always have two players in quickly."
"To retain the ball and be in the right place, you have to be detailed with your breakdown."
"Our system won’t change much, but what we will do is emphasise certain areas more."
"Bringing in guys like Taniela Tupou, Skelton and Valetini gives them huge ball-carrying power and momentum, which feeds into that quick-ball game."
Flannery said he thoroughly enjoyed the Castle Lager Rugby Championship and said it was a proper test for every team week in and week out.
"It’s a phenomenal competition," said Flannery. "One only has to look back at last year, where Argentina were the dark horses by shocking New Zealand and beating us."
"There are no weak teams in this tournament, and it’s great because we want to play the best teams in the world when they are at their best."