'They wouldn’t have done that before they’d won two World Cups'

Former Springbok head coach Jake White knows a thing or two about creating a winning environment at the top level.

From winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup to rebuilding a wandering Bulls outfit with a successful stop at the Brumbies sandwiched in between, White has proven his ability to create a sustainable and successful team.

Writing in his regular RugbyPass column, White offered an interesting thought about the current Springbok squad.

Reflecting on a point that 2003 Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward had made to him following his team’s incredible run off success, White questioned where this current Springboks side are heading.

Praising head coach Rassie Erasmus for the tremendous job he has done, White pointed to the challenge that the double World Cup winner will face over the coming seasons as he looks to refreshing an aging squad.

“The one thing this lauded squad has, more than any other team, is a togetherness and brotherhood. They’ve always spoken in the media about the team ethos trumping the needs of the individual. Focusing on the greater good. However, over the next year or so, it will be a huge test of that mantra as double World Cup winners will be discarded.” White wrote.

Given the shift away from long term flyhalf Handre Pollard in favour of emerging star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, it is clear that Rassie has already begun this process.

“I know (Handre) Pollard will say he doesn’t mind playing at No12 to accommodate Sacha at No10, but that’s what he’s supposed to say in public.

“The true legacy of this special group will be how they function behind closed doors when they’re no longer needed.”

In addition to the squad’s transition, White pondered whether the extra attention and adulation that the team have received due to their success could be a distraction.

Referencing this past weekend’s UFC 305 fight in which Dricus du Plessis defended his middlewight title against Israel Adesanaya, White questioned whether Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth would’ve joined their countryman in his walk out had they not won the World Cup.

“In isolation, I’ve got no problem with the Dricus sideshow. They were in Perth, they are friends and as proud South Africans, showing their loyalty, but it’s probably not the recipe for success if done on a regular basis.

“Put it this way, they wouldn’t have done that before they’d won two World Cups, because they weren’t deemed serial winners.

“Once players start to forget rugby is No 1, then things can quickly go South.” White concluded.

To get the full context of White’s column check it out on RugbyPass.