Paul Roos coach: Rassie Erasmus has created SA culture of innovation

INTERVIEW: Paul Roos coach Corné Uys says that Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus has shattered South African rugby stereotypes and encouraged local coaches to think differently about the game.

Last year, Erasmus was praised for his vision and innovation after introducing a midfield maul manoeuvre against Italy in Gqeberha.

The move was used twice over the course of the contest and led to two tries for the Boks.

In the aftermath, Erasmus told the media at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium that he’d borrowed the move from the Paul Roos U14B team, who had used it in a schools match months before.

In one sense, Erasmus’ admission revealed how closely the Bok coaches monitor all levels of the game.

In another, it highlighted the creative spirit that has become synonymous with schools rugby in South Africa in recent years.

Uys, who has been with Paul Roos for the past four seasons, believes that Erasmus deserves credit for the state of the local game.

“It’s cool how Rassie has created a culture of innovation,” Uys told Rugby365.

“He’s inspired everyone within the South African system to think a bit more and try different things.

“Gone are the days of only relying on the forwards, the defence, the kicking game… that stereotype no longer applies.

“It’s not about using circus tricks to get a reaction, it’s about using new or different methods to maximise opportunities.

“South African rugby as a whole is very different these days, and credit must go to Rassie for moving the needle.”

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Indeed, South African rugby has never been stronger, with the Boks winning the last two World Cups, and the Junior Boks claiming the 2025 Junior World Championship title.

Most of the players who make up those teams, of course, are products of an outstanding schoolboy rugby system.

After leading Paul Roos to 15 consecutive wins in 2024, Riley Norton skippered the Junior Boks to glory at the global tournament in Italy last year.

Markus Muller (Paarl Gym), Ethan Adams (Grey College), Kai Pratt (Oakdale) and others have made the step-up in recent months, and are currently with the South African U20 side in Georgia. Muller, Pratt, and Norton will attend a Springbok alignment camp next week.

While SA Rugby continues to take steps aimed at strengthening the pathway between schools and Test level, the schools coaches have a key role to play in developing the stars of tomorrow.

“We’re just a cog in the machine,” Uys said, after this was put to him by Rugby365.

“Rugby is massive in South Africa. You can’t go to a braai without someone bringing out a ball and starting a game. All shapes and sizes get involved.

“People love the game, and when you look back, you remember how Nelson Mandela brought everyone together [at the 1995 World Cup], and how Rassie has done something similar with this Springbok team.

“I can’t speak for all school coaches – but I’m proud to be a small cog in this machine.”

The schools season gets underway this weekend, with Grey College and others involved in competitive matches in Bloemfontein.

Paul Roos will play their first fixture against Drostdy in Stellenbosch on March 13, before hosting Affies on March 21.

Paul Roos won all 15 of their fixtures in 2024 to claim the unofficial No.1 ranking in South Africa.

They weren’t as dominant in 2025, winning 12 out of 17 matches – and losing marquee clashes against other leading teams like Affies, Paarl Gym, Paarl Boys, Oakdale and Grey College.

While some might suggest that they have a point to prove in 2026, especially against the other top dogs, much could depend on how they gel in the early phase of the season.

“We had a successful season in 2024, and after a season like that, you always want to hold the course,” Uys said.

“We might not have mirrored those results in 2025, but I’m proud of how the boys played.

“Looking ahead to 2026, we have a good blend of senior players and new additions to the First XV set-up.

“Our spine is very experienced, with our hooker, locks, blindside flank, halfbacks and No.12 all having played in 2025. Then we have some younger players coming in to inject fresh energy.”

That combination will be put to the test in the upcoming battle against Affies.

And given what Uys has said about the thriving schools culture, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see both sets of coaches using an innovative play or two over the course of the contest.