Former Springbok wing Stefan Terblanche says new Wales head coach Steve Tandy reminds him of Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus.
Tandy took over at the Millennium Stadium earlier this year before leading Wales to a narrow win over Japan in mid-November – this first home Test win since 2023 coming between defeats to Argentina and New Zealand.
Erasmus, on the other hand, has been with the Boks since 2017 and has guided them to back-to-back World Cup titles thanks in no small part to his tactical ingenuity helping awaken a sleeping giant in the sport.
Terblanche featured alongside ex-flanker Tandy between 2003 and 2007 at Welsh region the Ospreys and ran out for the Boks with former flank Erasmus.
“People will say to me, you’re mad, but he [Tandy] reminds me a lot about Rassie,” Terblanche told AFP on Wednesday. “They thought about the game deeply. When we were playing cards after a game, they were analysing the game. I think that’s what gave them the edge at that time.”
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Terblanche still keeps in touch with 45-year-old Tandy, whose attack-minded style of play helped Wales to a first home win in two years.
“I think there’s really a huge improvement. It’s not an overnight fix,” Terblanche said. “He might not enforce it right now but let him find his feet.
“I think we will all see the benefits for Welsh rugby having a coach like Steve in control,” the 50-year-old added.
In stark contrast to Tandy’s changing Wales, Erasmus’ side are unbeaten so far this Autumn Nations Series following wins over Japan, France, Italy and Ireland.
Halfway through the cycle to the next World Cup in 2027 in Australia, the Boks remain in an excellent position to defend their crown but some of their key players are beginning to get on in years.
Iconic captain Siya Kolisi will be 36 by the time the tournament kicks off, while flyhalf Handre Pollard will be 33.
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“There are some players that you perhaps might be starting to ask questions about, not because of the way they play, purely because of their age, the amount of rugby they’ve played,” Terblanche said.
“I know that Rassie will have a plan with his management staff to look after players like Handre Pollard, Siya.
“I think the importance here is to keep Rassie in control for the next two years.
“He does things by Rassie’s book, and I think at the moment it’s working for South Africa,” he added.
With the upcoming meeting between the two sides falling outside World Rugby’s Test window, both Wales and the Boks are obliged to field much-changed XVs in Cardiff.
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“We [South Africa] can put out a team on the weekend and you’ll still see guys who’ve got lots of caps, who’ve played a lot of rugby and who are still some of the great players at the moment in world rugby,” Terblanche said.
“Those guys also, it doesn’t matter how good you are as a team, you need to gel and play together.”
For Terblanche, the enforced absence of some regulars could give those selected to start for Wales an added incentive.
“It’s a great opportunity for these young guys and for the [Wales] guys who’ve had a few caps just to say ‘Steve, take notice of me. I’m willing to lay it on the line for Wales’,” he explained.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
