The dominant form of the Springboks has officially won over one of their most prominent detractors: seasoned rugby pundit and former Scotland coach, Matt Williams.
Williams, known in international rugby circles as a strong critic of the South African team, has now admitted he is in awe of their recent evolution. He was particularly vocal about Rassie Erasmus’ innovative strategies, including the controversial 7/1 bench split, which debuted against the All Blacks in 2023. At the time, Williams even urged World Rugby to intervene, arguing the tactic was “totally against the spirit of the game” and player safety.
However, the Springboks’ sustained success, particularly their recent 32-17 victory over France—a match where many had backed the hosts—appears to have changed his mind.
Speaking on the Off The Ball Podcast, Williams praised the team’s ability to seamlessly shift between styles. “They’re a team that can do anything,” he stated, highlighting their capability to transition from forward dominance to dynamic attack.
Williams concluded with a significant endorsement: “What they’ve added is the incredible dimension of a dynamic running passing game. And I’ve been saying for years, if South Africa adds that to their repertoire, no one in the world will stop them. They are head and shoulders above everyone right now at this point of the cycle.
