There are three Springboks who can undoubtedly take their game to the next level under the guidance of new attack coach Tony Brown.
Ahead of the 2024 Test season, the Springboks have overhauled their coaching staff, and one of the most exciting appointments is undoubtedly that of Tony Brown.
The former All Black will undoubtedly bring some fresh ideas on attack, an area of the game that the Springboks know they need to evolve in order to stay ahead of the pack.
With this in mind, we pick three Springboks who could really excel under the attack-minded leadership of Brown.
SPRINGBOKS’ NEW FIRST-CHOICE FULLBACK DAMIAN WILLEMSE
Willemse is currently playing some of the best rugby of his career with the Stormers, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that he is still just 25 years old.
During the last World Cup, Willemse was backed as the Springboks’ new first-choice fullback ahead of Willie le Roux, and he is set to remain a key figure in the team for years to come.
Willemse is already an incredibly attack-minded player, but it’s a thrilling prospect to think how good he can become as Brown begins to work on a few important ‘extras’, while plotting set plays that could maximise the threat of the utility back.
VERSATILE CANAN MOODIE
The 21-year-old could go on to become one of the greatest Springboks of all time, especially considering he has already won a World Cup within the first two years of his Test career.
It remains to be seen whether the Springboks will continue his transition to specialising at outside centre, but there is no doubt that he could also become an iconic figure on the wing in the mould of former Bok legend JP Pietersen.
With so much raw potential, Brown is the perfect coach to unlock this natural talent.
‘MONEY MAN’ MANIE LIBBOK
Brown will be rubbing his hands together in anticipation of working with Libbok.
Libbok burst onto the Test scene with dazzling performances for the Springboks in 2023, with his running game, incredible distribution and ability to spark counter-attacks bringing a new edge to the South African attack.
However, there is no doubt that the potential for even more international dominance remains largely untapped, and Brown – who was a prolific playmaker during his professional career – may be the key to taking Libbok to the next level.
CONFIRMED SPRINGBOKS FIXTURES FOR 2024:
- Saturday, 22 June: SA vs Wales (Twickenham, London)
- Saturday, 6 July: SA vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
- Saturday, 13 July: SA vs Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
- Saturday, 20 July: SA vs Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
- Saturday, 10 August: Australia vs SA (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
- Saturday, 17 August: Australia vs SA (Optus Stadium, Perth)
- Saturday, 31 August: SA vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
- Saturday, 7 September: SA v New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
- Saturday, 21 September: Argentina v SA (venue TBC)
- Saturday, 28 September: SA v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
- Saturday, 10 November: SA v Scotland (Murrayfield, Edinburgh)
- 16/17 November: England v SA (Twickenham, London – date TBC)
*A report from French media outlet Midi Olympique has suggested France will face the Springboks on 2 November.
