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IOL News
21 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Attack-happy Springboks will never abandon their physicality and set-piece dominance, promises Handre Pollard
Springbok assistant coach Tony Brown has been credited with transforming the team's attack SPRINGBOK assistant coach Tony Brown has transformed the World Champions game-approach although there are assurances of physicality not being lost. | AFP 'We are not talking about massive, crazy changes on attack, just minor adjustments here and there.' 'That is who we are as a team, and we will never shy away from that. Our set-piece dominance will always be key to every game we play, but if we can sprinkle a little something on our attack to take us to the next level, that is the goal. 'The core of our game will always be our physicality and being direct,' the veteran flyhalf said. Pollard has reassuring words for Bok purists who fear the World Cup-winners might get carried away with cavalier attack and forget their roots. The sharpened Springbok attack is attacking headlines, but flyhalf general Handre Pollard says the Boks will never deviate from their core DNA of physicality and set-piece dominance. The main key to adding attacking arrows to the Springbok quiver is New Zealander Tony Brown, and Pollard cannot speak highly enough of the former All Black flyhalf. Brown is in his second year with the Boks and is adding fresh nuances to their game. 'With Browny, every week is a next step,' Pollard said. 'He is such an 'involving' coach. He is always looking for something extra. It is refreshing working with him, and it is fun at the same time. 'We have not yet unlocked all our potential on attack. This team has a lot more in it. But it will take time. The more we play together, the more it will come together. We have unbelievable players, so the more time and space we can create for the boys outside, the more dangerous we will be.' A renewed focus on attack is a global phenomenon, and the British and Irish Lions are a case in point — they have played exhilarating rugby in their first two tour games in Australia. 'For a few years now, defences have been overpowering attacks a little bit,' Pollard explained. 'The backs have to get creative on attack, and they are. With the Boks, it is evident that we are enjoying attacking a lot more. We are scoring a lot more points and making it tougher for defences. 'We are enjoying the focus on attacking rugby,' the 31-year-old said. 'Each team has its own way of doing it. We trust a system that we think is the best for us. It is a good thing, and I am sure the spectators enjoy it as well.' But Pollard has a caveat to the focus on adventurous rugby. "Defences are still the key to winning World Cups and competitions. It will be a core fundamental of any winning team, as will a good kicking game, but I just think there was room for improvement with us on attack over these last few years. 'The New Zealand teams unlocked it years ago, and we were trusting our defence and kicking game more at that time, but we understand that there is another layer to us that we can unlock, and that is our attack.' This week in Pretoria, fast dry conditions are expected after the wet of the Barbarians game. This presents an opportunity for the Boks to kick on. 'After the rain, we can take it to another level this week,' Pollard agreed. 'That is the plan, but listen, Italy are a good team. We are not going to underestimate anything they bring to the party. They are physical and passionate. We have to put in the hard yards before we put in the pretty stuff on the edges. 'So it will be a tough start to the game, that is for sure, but we are ready for that, and we will see what happens from there.'
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
‘Playing in Japan makes us better players' —Jesse Kriel defends overseas-based Springboks
SPRINGBOK centre Jesse Kriel Japan, says he has become a better player because of the cross-pollination of rugby acumen. | Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Bulls coach Jake White, for some time, has been advocating that the Springbok players based overseas should be brought home to strengthen the local teams, but Bok centre Jesse Kriel disagrees. Kriel, who is based in Japan, says he has become a better player because of the cross-pollination of rugby acumen that occurs when players from all over the world are pooled together, as is the case in the Japanese teams. Joining Kriel in the current Bok squad preparing for the Barbarians season-opener on June 28 are fellow Japan-based players in Lood de Jager, Faf de Klerk, Damian de Allende, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe and Malcolm Marx. That is a hefty chunk of polished Springboks. Kriel pointed to White himself as a good example of how overseas experience can benefit a coach (or player). 'If you look at a coach like Jake, he's also coached in Japan for a few years. He coached over in France (with Montpellier) and also in Australia (Brumbies), which has probably made him a better coach. 'He probably gained a lot of IP (intellectual property) overseas from different types of players and the different ways people think, and how they want to play and approach the game,' Kriel explained. 'From my point of view, and I know a lot of the other guys share my thought process, when you go over there, you are playing with Fijians, Tongans, New Zealanders, Australians, Welsh guys, and English guys. You learn different things from everyone, and I think it's also good to observe how the game is seen differently.' It is also documented that players can prolong their careers by playing in Japan, where the leagues are less physically arduous. 'I've certainly enjoyed being over in Japan,' Kriel added. 'There are a lot fewer distractions compared to being back in South Africa. "So it's been great in terms of working on our individual games, and I think the guys that return from overseas always come back into camp pretty focused and willing to work hard. I think it's been great.' Rassie Erasmus, sitting next to Kriel in the press conference, wanted to add to Kriel's response. 'To put into perspective the debate about picking overseas players… If you look at the players that we've selected for the Springboks, I think you will find it very seldom that an overseas-based player is younger than 26 or 27. We seldom pick a young player based abroad,' the coach explained. 'I think Jasper Wiese must have been one of the youngest players that we've picked from overseas, and he was 25. 'We recently called up Juano Augustus (from Northampton), and he is 27,' Erasmus continued. 'He had been the World Rugby Junior Player of the year in 2017, and he went overseas soon after. But we did not pick him until now (after five years overseas). 'So we don't encourage a young player to go overseas, and if they do go, they know it will be difficult for us to pick them. There are very few young players that get picked from there.'
The 42
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Former Springbok winger Cornal Hendricks dies at 37
FORMER SPRINGBOK WINGER Cornal Hendricks has died at the age of 37. South Africa Rugby confirmed Hendricks died as a result of a heart attack. Hendricks made his Test debut in 2014 and was capped 12 times for the Springboks, scoring five tries. In 2016, Hendricks signed a two-year deal with the Stormers but failed to make any appearances after being diagnosed with a heart condition. The following season a move to Toulon fell through for the same reason and at the age of 27, Hendricks announced his retirement. Advertisement The Vodacom Bulls are deeply saddened by the passing of Cornal Hendricks, aged 37. A 12-time capped Springbok and key player for the Vodacom Bulls from 2018 to 2023, Cornal was known for his passion, energy, and infectious smile both on and off the field. CEO Edgar Rathbone… — Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) May 15, 2025 However he made a remarkable return in 2019 and joined the Bulls, going on to represent the Pretoria side 73 times before leaving the club last year. Bulls director of rugby Jake White said: 'Many people were shocked and sad when his career was cut short in 2015. 'When we had the opportunity to get him back on the park, he took that with open arms and made a remarkable use of his second lease in professional rugby. We all witnessed him leave no stone unturned as he inspired his teammates and the South African community through his story of hope and courage. 'It was a privilege and honour to have been his coach, a fantastic role model for the next generation and his appetite for life was infectious. Rugby has lost one of the good ones today.' Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby said: 'We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Cornal Hendricks, a remarkable athlete who represented his country in sevens and 15-man rugby with distinction. 'Cornal was one of those players who loved the game and he worked extremely hard, but he always did so with a smile on his face, treating all people with respect. His energy and love of life, on and off the field, lifted his teammates and those around him. 'His contributions to the sport and his unwavering dedication will always be remembered. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Stephaney and their children, his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations.' Hendricks also played for Boland, the Cheetahs, and represented South Africa at Sevens level across the first chapter of his playing career.
