Rugby legend Sergio Parisse on what makes Rassie Erasmus' Springboks so great

Parisse is considered one of rugby's all-time greats, renowned for his exceptional skill, leadership, and longevity, having captained Italy in five World Cups and earned 142 international caps, making him the fourth most-capped international of all time.

"Rugby is in a very interesting place," Parisse began, reflecting on the state of the game. "I have to admit to my admiration of the Springboks and how they're pushing the envelope of the sport forward in such a positive way. They are an immensely complete team, and what always resonates with me is that they are so unstressed and unflustered, whatever comes their way."

Parisse, who is transitioning from player to coach, pointed out the unique challenges that the Springboks present to their opponents.

"They have an ability to cope - it doesn't matter what you throw at them, they will normally find a way to deal with it. They're not unbeatable - Argentina proved that in the Rugby Championship - but to overcome them you have so much to deal with," he said.

A Tactical Nightmare

"With most sides, it's fairly obvious to work out those areas, but with the Boks, it's so much harder as they're incredibly complete. To beat them, you have to be perfect in every aspect. If you focus on scrums, then they'll beat you in the air. Focus on attacking wide, and they'll attack you down the middle the moment they get a transition moment."

The Springboks' physicality and tactical versatility stand out as defining traits. Parisse emphasized the importance of defensive precision when facing them.

"Every tackle MUST stick. Their post-contact metres are phenomenal. In the middle of the pitch, they'll use power and kicking to soften up their opponents," he said. "South Africa aren't a hugely structured side running the ball in phase waves in a traditional manner. What they do is use forward after forward off nine or ten, coming around the corner until your defensive line is short of numbers. They win probably 70% of the collisions in the game, and that reduces defensive numbers as players are forced to double team tackles, losing bodies in the line."

The Innovation of the Boks

What sets the Springboks apart is not only their physicality but also their willingness to innovate. Parisse noted their strategic use of the back row in wide channels and their exploitation of aerial dynamics under the evolving rules of the game.

"This season, we've seen them employ their back-rows in the wider channels, and especially with the escort law changing the aerial dynamic, this has been super effective for themâ”and they have the athletes to do it with comfort," he observed.

A Cut Above the Rest

While other teams possess individual strengths, Parisse argued that no single side has the complete package that South Africa boasts.

"Argentina's back-row is every bit as big as the Boks and every bit as good. The All Black scrum isn't far behind South Africa's, but the rest of their game is behind. France have skill levels and half-backs to match but can't maintain the 80-minute intensity that the Boks can," he said. "So you find yourself beating them in one area and losing in four others!"

Parisse expressed concern for Wales, who face the Springboks in their next match.

"Their tour has been like this big green machine literally ploughing through everything that's come their way. I fear for Wales this weekend as we may see a big score against them should things get messy," he remarked.

The Rassie Erasmus Factor

Central to South Africa's success is head coach Rassie Erasmus, and as Parisse embarks on his coaching career, he can't hide his admiration for what Erasmus has achieved.

"At the helm of their ship is Rassie, and he has an ability to empower belief in all around him," Parisse said. "He has weaponized their emotions and the multicultural nation of South Africa as a country. He then gives them such clarity of their mission and emphasizes the weight of expectation their jersey holds."

For Parisse, Erasmus represents a masterclass in coaching and leadership.

"Rassie has a degree in rugby players, and the connection he creates within the squad is quite remarkable. For a coach like me, although I am just at the beginning of my journey in that aspect, there's so much I learn from watching these guys and speaking to their players," he said.

A Vision for the Future

As Parisse reflects on his illustrious career, he is encouraged by the state of the game and the Springboks' role in shaping its future.

"I think it's absolutely fantastic that, at a time when I'm honored in the sport by my award, the game is, on the pitch, in such a healthy condition," he concluded. "I hope that the Boks, along with others, continue to raise that bar of innovation, intellect, and passion that meant so much to me during my career as a player."

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