Jerry Flannery on how Springboks' team-first culture starts with the coaches
Springbok defence coach Jerry Flannery has explained how the coaches set the example in building the selfless mindset that has become a key part of the South African team.
Contepomi and Robertson hail Boks as 'dangerous' force after Barbarians clash
Former All Blacks coach Robertson served as head coach for the Baabaas in Gqeberha on Saturday, while Argentina head coach Contepomi served as his assistant.
While their talented Barbarians side caused the Boks a few problems of their own, the duo were full of admiration for the Springboks' all-round power and the way they combined physical dominance with clinical counter-attacking threat.
"The Springboks have developed their game over the past few years and are doing so without moving away from what they are really good at - the set-pieces and forward play," Contepomi said after the match.
"I think they have found the right balance in terms of when to play with the ball, especially on counter-attack.
"They are a very dangerous team and you have to be brave and take them on if you want to beat them.
"South Africa are a very well-organised team and extremely dangerous with ball in hand. They know exactly what they want to do and how they want to go about it."
Robertson, meanwhile, praised South Africa's clarity of purpose and the relentless way they apply pressure through set-piece dominance and territory control.
"This match showed how much depth South Africa has," he said.
"When they pin you down, it's very difficult to escape. There are penalties at scrum time, they kick to the corner and drive over the line. They're very good at it and have great clarity about their game plan."
Mzwandile Stick reflects on performance of young SA 'A' team against Zimbabwe
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick was pleased with the maturity and effort of his young guns in the SA 'A' side that trounced Zimbabwe on Saturday.
Springbok veterans Faf de Klerk and Vincent Koch added to Barbarians squad
After being left out of the Springboks' Nations Championship squad, Faf de Klerk and Vincent Koch are picking up with the Barbarians.
A new era: Rassie Erasmus names six uncapped stars in Bok squad
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a 46-man squad featuring six uncapped players and a host of returning Bulls players for the inaugural Nations Championship.