Defence coach Jerry Flannery says the Springboks’ greatest strength lies in a culture where no idea is sacred and no coach is bigger than the team.
Speaking on the latest episode of Smash Sport’s Rassie+ podcast, Flannery provided a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the Bok coaches work together in pursuit of a common goal.
For the Irishman, the foundation of the group’s success is a culture that places the team above individual departments.
“When you have the overarching thing that it’s a ‘team first’ mentality, I know then that Brownie’s [Tony Brown] goal is not for the Springboks to score the most tries – it’s for the Springboks to win.”
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The comment reveals the mindset that underpins the Bok management team, where attack, defence and kicking strategies are not treated as separate entities but as interconnected parts of a bigger plan.
Flannery explained that the coaches regularly reinforce one another’s messages rather than operating in isolation.
“I love when Stokke [Mzwandile Stick] would talk about after that kick goes, there has to be tackle pressure. He’s encouraging and reiterating messages that I’ve given and it takes pressure off me, and I’ll try and do the same with the other coaches.”
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That alignment ensures players receive a consistent message regardless of which coach is delivering it, creating a united approach across all aspects of the game.
Flannery also highlighted the value of constructive debate within the coaching group, revealing how plans are routinely challenged before they reach the players.
“When you come up with a plan and you think your plan is good, and you spend a lot of time at it, Felix [Jones] would come in and say ‘what if we do these bits, wouldn’t it be better?’ And I would agree, because then you feel as a collective when you win, that we’ve all put into this plan.”
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Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
The post Flannery: No egos, just one goal appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Defence coach Jerry Flannery says the Springboks’ greatest strength lies in a culture where no idea is sacred and no coach is bigger than the team.
The post Flannery: No egos, just one goal appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
