All-conquering Springboks have become trendsetters, says former Bok captain

The Boks continue to go from strength to strength in 2025. Dominant victories over France and Ireland away have further elevated their status as the world's best team, leaving the rest scratching their heads.

At the coalface of the transformation is Doctor Rassie Erasmus. While he often flies too close to the sun, his innovation has been key to the Boks' success.  

"Rassie isn't just full of controversy; how he's evolved the squad is spectacular," Brits told CoinPoker in an interview.

"It feels like we are pushing the boundaries, and everyone else is trying to keep up with what Rassie is doing.

"In the past, we would follow Australia and New Zealand's playing style. Now, it feels like for once, we are bringing expertise outside of South Africa into the game, and the rest are following us.

"It's amazing what is happening. Teams are evolving, some a little slower than others."

Britz, who was part of Erasmus' 2019 World Cup-winning squad, also hailed the incredible depth that's being developed. With clever squad-rotation, the Boks are now three-deep in nearly every position without dropping in quality.

"He's given more exposure to other players," he continued.

"He brought in Tony Brown as a new defence coach, saying, 'Let's evolve the game to where we are'.

"We have the belief now. We will still lose games, for example, the game we lost against Australia recently. We overplayed that game. He said we don't have the capacity yet to play an all-expansive game; we need to pull back a little bit. But those are the mistakes we will make in order to grow.

"The evolution of the team is so impressive. It's not just a key man like Pollard doing the same thing. You've got Pollard, who you know will win the game by playing in the right areas. But now he brings in Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok.

"He brings Andre Esterhuizen in, who can cover flanker if a red or yellow card comes. Kwagga Smith was the previous impact player; now Andre is an impact player, and he can still use Kwagga as well. Damian Willemse is playing 15, 12, and 10. Our scrumhalves can play wing.

"He's trying to build athletes, even though you will always need a lock. He picks flankers and locks who can play multiple positions, giving you flexibility of choice. It takes bravery and guts to get to that position."

The Springboks face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday as they target their first unbeaten northern hemisphere tour since 2013.

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