Bismarck du Plessis says Rassie Erasmus’ knack of unearthing hybrid players has become one of the world champion Springboks’ greatest strengths.
Speaking to News24 this week during the announcement of Castle Double Malt as title sponsor of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, the former Bok hooker praised Erasmus’ approach.
While unconvinced by Jan-Hendrik Wessels constantly switching between front-row roles, Du Plessis has no doubts about the value of the Bok boss’ broader philosophy.
“If you look at what Rassie did with a guy like Deon [Fourie], who had to come on three minutes into the World Cup final,” Du Plessis said. “Guys like Marco [van Staden] and André Esterhuizen … a lot of people always ask about Rassie; he’s one of those coaches who can teach people and players to do things he wants them to do.
“I’ve got all the faith in how he’s using his squad. If you have a player who can almost cover two positions, you can almost take an extra guy in another position.
“If you go back to the World Cup in 2023, Deon and Marco were hookers … but we won the World Cup again, so that versatility is something that brings out the best in our side at the moment.”
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The 42-year-old, though, notes Wessels faces a tough ask as the Vodacom Bulls bruiser juggles playing loosehead prop and hooker in the green and gold jersey.
“I think it’s really difficult for a guy like Jan-Hendrik,” Du Plessis said. “Scrumming as a loosehead and scrumming as a hooker is very different.
“You’ve got to take your hat off to him for the way he’s handling it and the way he’s playing.
“They’re still trying to see where he’s most efficient and can contribute best to the side because he’s a player with great talent.”
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Du Plessis also refused to be drawn into debate around the Boks’ hooker pecking order, with two-time World Cup winner and 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx head and shoulders above his competition.
“I absolutely hated armchair coaches when I was playing because they would tell you what to do and they hadn’t played much rugby,” the 2007 World Cup hero said.
“To be honest, as long as the Boks are winning and South Africa’s doing well, I don’t care what the pecking order is.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Getty Images
The post ‘Players do things Rassie wants them to do’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Bismarck du Plessis says Rassie Erasmus’ knack of unearthing hybrid players has become one of the world champion Springboks’ greatest strengths.
The post ‘Players do things Rassie wants them to do’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
