Tony Brown has taken the Springboks’ attack to another level, according to renowned rugby journalist Peter Bills.
Bills, author of The Jersey, believes the former All Blacks flyhalf has had a major influence on the way the Boks combine their trademark physicality with speed, skill and attacking innovation.
“Innovative thinking is the key to what the Springboks are trying to do and, in my opinion, much of that has come from the man sitting next to Rassie Erasmus in the coaching box,” Bills told Netwerk24.
“The Boks’ ball skills at a blistering pace while they look for space have Brown’s fingerprints all over them. It’s really enjoyable to watch how the Boks combine their physical intensity and ball skills.”
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Bills first identified Brown’s potential while researching his book in 2022, when he travelled to Dunedin to meet the then Highlanders coach.
“I thought then that he was going to have a big impact on the world stage in time,” said Bills. “It took a man with his finger on the pulse of the rugby world [Erasmus] to take action when others hesitated.”
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Bills believes Brown’s influence goes beyond simply adding attacking plays.
“Simply put: he wants his players to look for space and then exploit it with their pace and skills. Above all, he wants to see innovation in the Boks’ game.
“The Boks want the ball in hand, they want to use their pace against anyone and they think on their feet.”
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
The post ‘Tony’s fingerprints all over Boks’ attack’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Tony Brown has taken the Springboks’ attack to another level, according to renowned rugby journalist Peter Bills.
The post ‘Tony’s fingerprints all over Boks’ attack’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
