The innovation of Rassie Erasmus is what sets him apart, says former England international
Former England international Anthony Watson praised Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus (pictured) for his innovative ideas and vision, which have positively influenced the sport globally. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
In South Africa, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus is legitimately regarded as a rugby genius.
Outside of the Rainbow Nation, however, that’s not always the case.
That’s why when a former England international sings the praises of Erasmus, it’s worth listening.
That player is England’s Anthony Watson. A veteran of over 50 appearances for England, the winger also scored 23 tries for his country.
His crowning glory came in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, which the Springboks dominated to run out 32-12 victors.
Rugby’s Innovator: A Positive Force for the Game
“He is so innovative. That is what makes him stand out. His ideas and his vision to try things. Some of them don’t come off like that random line-out lift that he did in the middle of the pitch,” Watson told IOL via Grosvenor Sport, who offer odds for the 2026 Six Nations.
“Irrespective of whether it comes off or not, he’s just got everyone across the world, not only when it comes to preparing for South Africa but in general from a coaching standpoint thinking outside the box.
“Rugby needs that. It needs innovation, it needs people who aren’t stuck to a certain style and this is what we do in this area of the pitch and there’s no two ways about it.
“He’s brilliant for the game. I know that he’s had some issues with refereeing and stuff like that but all in all when you consider his contribution to the sport I think it’s incredibly naive to suggest he’s not been positive for the sport of rugby.”