Bok legend always knew there was something 'different' about teammate Rassie Erasmus

Montgomery played alongside and for Erasmus during his illustrious playing career and went on to work with his former teammate in a coaching capacity. The duo were part of Nick Mallett's successful Springboks team that went on a then-record winning streak of 17 consecutive Test wins.

The 2007 World Cup winner states that Erasmus had the ear of his teammates, even though they still gave him a bit of a ribbing.

"There was something about Rassie that you just knew he was different," Montgomery said on The Behind The Ruck Podcast.

"I still remember he had those crooked fingers, and he hated fruits, so we used to put bananas in his blazer.

"He was always the analyst in the team – that's what stood out, and when he spoke, everyone listened. We joked around a lot back then, but it's not like it is today; they are professionals.

"He made it very clear that if you want to become a Springbok, you can't do all those shenanigans that went on back in our days.

"I mean, we were professionals, but it was still very semi-professional. So there's a big difference."

Erasmus has been even more influential as a coach, masterminding two Rugby World Cup victories, and Montgomery has hailed how he managed to turn things around for South African rugby after a challenging run.

"I was at Rassie's wedding, man, we were mates. He was part of the 2011 coaching team overseeing the rugby when Peter de Villiers was still there," he added.

"He was scheming a long time ago; he was way ahead. He went overseas to see what the other teams were doing. What he has done is just unbelievable because SA Rugby was struggling with professionalism and that kind of thing.

"The way they have lifted their game, so the players can lift, it's amazing how they have evolved."

What has impressed the first Springboks centurion most is how Erasmus and his coaching team have managed to build depth.

"Rassie can say now we've got a 45-man squad. We've got an A, B and C team," he explained.

"That's where we are ahead of so far ahead of the other nations, like we play against Wales and half the team got to go to their provinces, but they don't have a B team.

"That's where SA Rugby are more professional, and that's why we're evolving quicker."

Show co-host and fellow former Bok Juan de Jongh replied: "You said it's A, B and C, but I think it's more A, A and A."

Montgomery added: " That's it exactly, the next guy just steps in, and you look at the Stormers and they are doing exactly the same. Half the guys are youngsters, and I can't keep up with all the okes, which is great to see.

"You look at it from schoolboy rugby to provincial, and it's going to our national team and then the Blitzboks."