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The Breakdown boys give Springboks the big thumbs up

Published

11 months ago

1st July 2025

Keo

Finally, the boys from New Zealand’s Sky Sports The Breakdown had to concede that there is more to Rassie Erasmus’s world champion Springboks than brute force.

All Blacks Test centurion Mils Muliaina, Test winger/fullback Jeff Wilson, who scored a remarkable 44 tries in 60 Tests, and Justin Marshall, one of the world’s leading scrumhalves with 81 Test appearances, made up the trio asked for an opinion on the Springboks’ international season opener against the Barbarians in Cape Town, as well as the state of the world champion Springboks.

[39:24]

The Springboks took on the Barbarians — and they put them away in Cape Town. What did you make of the Springboks and their performance?

[39:29] Justin Marshall

Oh my, they’re just constantly improving. They looked a lot more creative in how they dismantled what was, on paper, a strong Barbarians side.

[39:36]

A Barbarians week is always a bit loose and social, but these are proud players from different countries — they come to play. Still, they weren’t even in the contest.

[39:42]

You’ve got to love the balance the Springboks are finding. Jeff, I think you picked up on it — they’re innovating in attack.

[39:47]

They’re no longer as predictable as they were, even when winning World Cups. They’ve still got the DNA of territory and kicking, but now they’ve added explosive wingers, sharp centres, and a massive forward pack. They’re trending in a scary direction.

[40:18] Jeff Wilson

I think Tony Brown’s had a bit more time to work with them — more training time to expand on his ideas. And you could see it in this Barbarians game.

[40:25]

Sure, it’s the Barbarians — the defence started slipping later — but the Springboks were showing real structure and system play.

[40:31]

At fullback, you’ve got players like Fassi and Kolbe coming off the bench. Their creativity stood out.

[40:36]

What’s different is they’re willing to use the ball. Last year, they started to shift that way. Now guys like Damian de Allende have developed their passing through the middle.

[40:47]

They created space wide, parked players on the edges, and changed angles with inside cuts. Suddenly, defenders are exposed — and the Boks are through.

[41:05]

Footwork, offloads, support — and then they’re two metres from the line. It’s very hard to stop. Instead of just playing for territory, they’re playing in behind the line, keeping possession.

[41:22]

Yes, it’s the BaaBaas — they started falling off tackles with 20 to go — but you expect the Boks to take full advantage. What stands out is how many players now have freedom to express themselves.

[41:33]

We should be very wary.

Mils Muliaina

There’s an aura forming around this team. Every time they get into camp, put on the green jersey — they’re locked in.

[41:43]

With Barbarians matches, things can get loose, but the Boks hit hard from the start. They’ve got consistency, and they’re always evolving.

[42:00]

You talk about the Bomb Squad — but this is a squad with world-class players in every position, even off the bench. They’re setting the standard now.

[42:12] Jeff Wilson

Quick one: Quagga Smith came off the bench and did a job — covering forwards and backs.

[42:17]

But here’s the big one — Andre Esterhuizen played the final 25 minutes on the side of the scrum. That’s your No.12 playing flank.

[42:24]

He’s 120 kilos — a complete tank. They named a 5-3 bench split, but in reality, Esterhuizen acted as a sixth forward. Once again, the Boks are pushing boundaries.