The Springboks' Variations On Attack That Have The Rugby World Taking Notes

It was clear for all to see that the all-conquering Springboks played with a lot more attacking intent with ball in hand in 2024.

It started way back in the first Test of the year in June against Wales at Twickenham in London, and ended against the same opposition under the roof of the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in November.

Former All Blacks flyhalf Tony Brown , considered one of the best attack coaches in the world, joined the Springboks management team this year to try and evolve the Springboks play. After winning the previous two World Cup with a skop, skiet and donner approach, relying heavily on their physicality, defence and set-piece prowess, Rassie Erasmus knows they have to add a few more strings to their bow to stay ahead of the game.

Statistically, one has also been able to see the difference , as they played with a lot more width on attack to properly utilise their dangerous outside backs. They started to attack with a lot more variation, with forwards and backs passing the ball out of the back instead of just putting their heads down and barging into defenders.

The Springboks made the most clean breaks in Rugby Championship with 50, while carrying the ball 730 times in this years competition, compared to 485 carries two years ago in 2022, the previous time we enjoyed a full Rugby Championship schedule.