Former Scotland coach Matt Williams has offered rare praise for the Springboks.
The 65-year-old Australian, who has built a reputation as the Boks’ harshest critic, has often condemned Rassie Erasmus’ tactical approach.
Over the years he has accused South Africa of prioritising power over creativity, relying too heavily on the Bomb Squad, and reducing rugby to a contest of scrums, mauls and kicks.
However, the outspoken pundit struck a very different tone in his latest talk.
“In six weeks Ireland will face New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in the Autumn internationals. Ireland must be prepared to adapt to the rapid changes in attacking tactics we are witnessing in the Rugby Championship or risk being left behind,” Williams warned.
He pointed to the Wallabies’ late fightbacks and expansive approach as examples of how the game is evolving.
But it was the Boks stunning 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington – a six-try demolition – that appeared to impress him the most.
“Even the Springboks, the greatest scrum, maul and kick team in the world, have developed a spectacular running attack,” Williams conceded. “With smaller, more agile and lightning-fast backs being selected, the coaches deserve great credit in how they are moving the game forward.”
Monye argued that, despite its intensity, the Rugby Championship remains more predictable than its European counterpart.
“To my mind we’ve only seen one unpredictable result, Australia beating South Africa in Johannesburg. Yes, Argentina beat New Zealand, but they have done that before. Everything else has kind of gone to script.”
He added that the Six Nations’ greater depth gives it more weight.
“The Rugby Championship is really competitive, but it’s easier with four nations. The Six Nations has pedigree, not just on the pitch but through the stories, the fans and the culture that comes with it.”
