BBC Rugby Union: Quade Cooper Applauds Springboks’ Evolving Game-Plan
Former Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper has expressed his pleasant surprise at the recent transformation in South Africa’s rugby approach, noting that it is not a new development.
For years, the Springboks have been renowned for their pragmatic and low-risk game plan, predominantly kicking for territory and relying on their formidable forward pack. However, under the guidance of Rassie Erasmus, the world champions have experienced remarkable success, winning back-to-back Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023, as well as a 2-1 series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2021.
Now, with the addition of former All Blacks fly-half Tony Brown as their new attacking coach, the Boks have embraced a more expansive style of play, earning widespread praise. Cooper, who made his last Wallabies appearance in the 2023 Rugby Championship, has been a keen observer of this transformation, revealing that he noticed the differences in the Springboks’ approach during last year’s Rugby Championship.
“Well, honestly, I think it already started prior to the new coaches,” Cooper told the Behind the Ruck podcast. “I remember coming out and playing last year when we played at Loftus (Versfeld), and we kicked the ball off after the first try that you guys scored. We kicked the ball up the middle of the field, and usually when you’re playing against South Africa, you know exactly what’s going to happen. But they just pulled the trigger and they go 80 metres and score another try.”
The veteran playmaker expressed his excitement about the emergence of several talented South African fly-halves, such as Manie Libbok, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse, offering them words of encouragement and advice.
“Firstly, believe in yourself and what you’re doing, what’s got you there,” Cooper explained. “So the guys like Manie, I really love the way he plays the game. And I’m super excited about the future for South African rugby, for these guys. These guys are really special talents, and I just hope that they understand that.”
As the Boks continue to evolve their playing style, Cooper’s insights provide a unique perspective on the transformation of one of rugby’s most formidable teams.
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