The Boks edged Argentina 27-25 at Twickenham in London to claim back-to-back Championship titles for the first time. This is just the latest achievement for the back-to-back World Champions since Erasmus took over as Springbok head coach from Allister Coetzee in 2018.

Since then, the Boks have established themselves as the dominant force in world rugby. While the 2025 international season got off to a somewhat slower start, the last few Tests have shown that a shift has taken place – it just took some time for everything to click.

Rassie Erasmus. Photo: Morgan Piek

As rugby constantly evolves, this is an area where Erasmus and his technical team have excelled: staying ahead of the game. It’s almost a mindset if we can’t beat a team with traditional weapons like the scrum, we’ll find other ways to win. Lately, that has meant playing a more attacking style.

Bringing about change is one thing; getting the players on board and making it work is another. That combination is what has arguably made this the greatest group of Springboks to wear the green-and-gold.

After winning back-to-back Championship titles, two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Kolisi spoke about the team’s attitude. 

“The message was simple from the coaches and the players. We all felt the same – we needed to play more together, make fewer mistakes, and, obviously, discipline was key.” i.

“You’ve got to give credit to Argentina. Mistakes happen, and you get ill-disciplined because they put pressure on you. They’re a strong team, and we knew they would come out like that.

“In the second half, we were able to just jump straight into it and change our mindset. What makes me proud as a player and part of this team is how the coaches communicate, and we simply react. There’s no back-and-forth – we just go and do it.

“The confidence we have now is something else. I’ve worn this jersey when nobody wanted to watch us play, when wins were hard to come by. Now, no matter how tough a game is, we know how to win, how to fight, and how to dig deep. That takes a lot.”

Tony Brown. Photo: Morgan Piek

Kolisi said this transformation is down to Rassie Erasmus, and he also hailed former All Blacks and Otago flyhalf Tony Brown for the so-called ‘Tonyball’ attacking strategies he has implemented.

“From the beginning, Coach Rassie changed our mentality. He told us to put ourselves aside and understand the Springboks are a big team, and we need to get back to where we belong in South Africa. 

“This team has done so much for the country. He made us understand that we are just vehicles – it’s all about what we do when we wear the jersey. 

“I’m so proud of the group and the coaching staff. They’re always coming up with new ways to challenge us. Coach Tony brings new attacking strategies, and it’s been amazing to adapt, accept, and fight, finding solutions together.”

“I’m really proud of the boys. The Rugby Championship has been incredible because anyone could have won at any stage, showing that every union is constantly improving.

“We’re grateful to the people of South Africa for their support, wherever we play in the world. I know what we do on the field doesn’t change everything, but it gives people hope. South Africans can walk tall, see that it’s possible to overcome tough times, and know that we’ve faced challenges too.

“So, yes, we’re grateful for all the support and love – not just for us, but for the people of South Africa.”

Most of the Boks will now enjoy a well-deserved break before turning their attention to the season-ending End-of-Year Tour, where they will face Japan in London, as well as France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales.

This is arguably the Boks’ most important End-of-Year Tour, as it will have a direct impact on their world ranking and the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, set to take place in December.

The Boks’ next Test is on 1 November, when they face Japan at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  dg

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