Jerry Flannery on how Springboks' team-first culture starts with the coaches

While players are expected to put the team first at all times, Flannery says that philosophy actually starts with the coaching staff, who lead by example from the start.

During a recent appearance on Smash Sport's Rassie+ podcast, Flannery said that he and attack coach Tony Brown never work at cross purposes, as they always have the same goal in mind.

"When you have the overarching thing that it's a 'team first' mentality, I know then that Brownie's [Tony Brown] goal is not for the Springboks to score the most tries - it's for the Springboks to win."

Flannery pointed to the alignment among the coaching staff as a key reason that message carries through so strongly, as they never lose sight of the bigger picture.

"I love when Stokke [Mzwandile Stick] would talk about after that kick goes, there has to be tackle pressure. He's encouraging and reiterating messages that I've given and it takes pressure off me, and I'll try and do the same with the other coaches."

Coaches are also free to contribute to each other's plans in order to reach the best possible consensus, Flannery added.

"When you come up with a plan and you think your plan is good, and you spend a lot of time at it, Felix [Jones] would come in and say 'what if we do these bits, wouldn't it be better?' And I would agree, because then you feel as a collective when you win, that we've all put into this plan."

The Springboks start their season in earnest on 4 July when they face England in their opening clash of the new Nations Championship competition.