The new Springbok assistant coach, Tony Brown, has stated his admiration for the four-time World Champions as he was introduced as one of the new technical team members in Cape Town on Tuesday.

The former All Blacks and Highlanders flyhalf is one of several new players in the coaching staff and they include Jerry Flannery of Ireland and the now retired referee from Bloemfontein, Jaco Peyper.

Brown said he has long admired the Springboks style of play and he said his favourite player was the Free State and Sharks great, Henry Honiball.

“Springboks have got a massively proud history, and for me to come in and try to be part of that and add to that is a huge honour,” said Brown.

“The way the Springboks play is always admired around the world.

“I’ve always been a big admirer of the way South African teams play, especially the Springboks. My favourite player was Henry Honiball and I probably tried to play the game that way as well.

“What the Springboks have done over the past two World Cups is massively impressive. The way they are able win big games and key moments in those games has been a pleasure to watch, and for me, it’s just exciting to be part of that.”

Henry Honiball was a key member of Nick Mallett's legendary Springbok team which went unbeaten in 17 Tests. Honiball played in 13 of those Tests.

Henry Honiball - Rugby365

Brown added that when Rassie Erasmus asked him to be a Springbok assistant he immediately said yes.

“When I got asked to coach the All Blacks five years ago, for me, it just didn’t feel right,” he added.

“I obviously had a really good relationship with Jamie Joseph and if he had got the All Black coaching job, then 100% I would have been in with him.

“It just didn’t feel right for me to coach with the other guys going for that job, so Jamie and I went back to Japan to coach Japan.

“Now he’s not coaching anymore and as soon as Rassie Erasmus rang me, I said yes. I’ve got so much respect for what Rassie’s done with South Africa, I’m just excited to be part of it, watch him operate, learn him and all the other coaches.

“One day, maybe I might coach the All Blacks. I don’t know, I just want to be part of this coaching set-up and the Springboks over the next four years.”

The Springboks will kick-off their season on 22 June against Wales at Twickenham.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport