'It's dangerous': The 'brave' message for Boks' opponents
INTERVIEW: Legendary Argentina flyhalf Felipe Contepomi says teams need to be brave against the Springboks, who have combined an evolution on attack with their traditional strengths.
The Pumas head coach served as assistant coach to Scott Robertson for the Barbarians’ match against the Springboks at the weekend.
Speaking after the Boks’ 80-31 try fest, Contepomi praised South Africa’s development on attack, an area that has taken great strides since the arrival of Tony Brown, who will depart South Africa to join the All Blacks after the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
But it’s not just the Boks’ attacking spark that the former Argentina playmaker marked as a threat to the rest of the rugby world, but how they combine it with their forward and set-piece superiority to devastating effect.
“I think they have found the right balance in terms of when to play with the ball, especially on counter-attack,” he said.
“They are a very organised team, and when they have the ball, they are very, very dangerous.
“They know exactly what to do and when to do it – when to play a tight game and when to have a go with ball in hand.
“It’s a team that you need to be brave against and have a go at if you want to be on the right side of the result at the end of the game.
“They are definitely evolving, and it’s dangerous.”
Meanwhile, Robertson added: “The match showed how much depth South Africa has.”
The Springbok coaching staff were able to name a strong Bok team for the BaaBaas fixture, while the SA ‘A’ team was also a competitive and highly talented, albeit a largely young, group with some significant experience in the forward pack.
The Boks were also missing some key players for the outing against the invitational side as the Bulls played in the United Rugby Championship final the night before. They had 16 Springboks in their matchday squad.
The Boks now shift their focus to their blockbuster and Nations Championship-opener against England on July 4.
They will then face Scotland and Wales on July 11 and 18, respectively, before the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series kicks off.
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