How Rassie Erasmus Revitalised The Springboks: Insights From Malcolm Marx

Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx has credited Rassie Erasmus transparent coaching methods for the turnaround in the teams fortunes following a tumultuous period in South African rugby.

Erasmus took over their reins in 2018 with Springbok rugby at a low following almost a decade of underachieving, which included heavy defeats against fierce rivals the All Blacks and historic defeats against Argentina, Japan and Italy.

Erasmus, in his roles as head coach and SA Rugby director of rugby, steered the team to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2019 and 2023, while they had a remarkable year in 2024, winning back the Rugby Championship and whitewashing the New Zealanders at home.

Marx, who had been part of the Springbok team that lost 57-0 against the All Blacks away in Albany in 2017, says Erasmus man-management and his unique way of thinking about the game.

I think the transparency we get as players there are open and clear messages. There is nothing done behind closed doors. If you have a question you can walk up to him and ask him that, Marx, who plays his rugby in Japan, said in an interview with Sky New Zealand.