'We're constantly being challenged': Tony Brown on 'exciting' Bok coaching team

Erasmus is regarded as one of the game's great thinkers and he hired the New Zealander in an attempt to improve their attack.

Brown joined the Bok set-up following their 2023 Rugby World Cup triumph, with Erasmus knowing that they needed to be more effective with ball in hand as they look to complete an unprecedented three-peat in 2027.

The signs are promising, with the Springboks remaining at the top of the World Rugby rankings despite being a team in transition, and several exciting talents either emerging or re-establishing themselves.

"Rassie's definitely an innovative guy, he's always asking the coaches to come up with something new and something different," Brown told The Breakdown.

"Whether it's defensively, whether it's kicking game-wise, set-piece-wise or attack-wise, he's always asking the question, 'would this work?' I'm always up for anything as you know, so it's quite an exciting coaching team to be a part of."

That 'excitement' extends to the coaching box, according to Brown, which is a hive of activity during games.

"Well, it's creative chaos, I would say, it's pretty intense in there. If I could have a beer in there, I would have a beer because I'm pretty low-key when it comes to the coaches' box," he said.

"If you've got too many people yelling, it just adds to the confusion, so I keep it pretty settled and low key."

South Africa represents Brown's second international coaching role after his stint with Japan, and he has also been a key figure in the Highlanders setup in New Zealand.

When asked about the differences between the nations, the 50-year-old quipped: "That Japan side, the set-piece was not quite as good!

"You definitely get a bit better ball to attack off [with South Africa]. They are bigger humans, love the physical side of the game, whereas the Japanese side love the flair and love moving the ball, and New Zealand's probably a little bit of both.

"It's definitely different going into the Springbok camp and trying to coach them, but it's been very enjoyable. I just try and coach them my way and try and get them playing the game I want to try and play.

"Try and use their strengths rather than trying to get them to do something they're not comfortable with."

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