Expectations will be high when the Springboks return to action in July with back-to-back tests against Ireland, followed by a one-off clash with Portugal before the Rugby Championship.
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As the Springboks begin a new four-year cycle, there will be a number of changes to their coaching staff following the departures of Jack Nienaber and Felix Jones.
For one, Rassie Erasmus (whose contract runs until 2025) will once again focus on head coaching duties, with SA Rugby potentially even considering extending his tenure for another four years.
According to reports, SA Rugby's real desire is for Erasmus to make it through to 2027 as South Africa aim for a hat-trick of back-to-back world titles, but that would mean he would have to step down as full-time director of rugby. May be responsible.
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If that happens, it will be very interesting to see who SA Rugby and Erasmus consider for such a versatile role.
According to Sunday newspaper rapport, former Bok legend Duane Vermeulen is set to be appointed to a “key full-time” position in SA Rugby, which could include direct involvement with the national team. However, the role may also include some of the duties Erasmus held during his time as rugby director.
Vermeulen's exact job description will be confirmed when SA Rugby announces the expected appointments of Gerry Flannery as defense coach and Tony Brown as attack coach in February. is.
Potential Springboks coaching team for 2024:
- Rassie Erasmus – Head Coach
- Mzwandir Stick – Assistant Coach
- Deon Davids – Assistant Coach
- Tony Brown – Offensive Coach
- Daan Human – Scrum Coach
- Jerry Flannery – Defense Coach
- Andy Edwards – Head of Athletic Performance
- Duane Vermeulen – (role name to be determined)
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The Boks home test schedule for 2024 is as follows:
Saturday 6th July: SA v Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday 13 July: SA vs Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday 20 July: SA vs Portugal (Bloemfontein, Free State Stadium)
Saturday 31 August: SA vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, September 7: SA vs. New Zealand (Cape Town, DHL Stadium)
Saturday 28 September: SA vs Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
Meanwhile, the Springboks' away test schedule includes two matches against the Wallabies in Australia in August, an away match against Argentina in the Rugby Championship in September, and a match in Europe in November 2024. ing.
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