Eddie Jones on Springboks: Why South Africa Set the Standard in World Rugby
In the high-stakes world of international rugby, praise from Eddie Jones is a currency that is rarely devalued by inflation. The current Japan head coach is known more for his abrasive wit and demanding standards than for lauding his rivals. However, recent comments from Eddie Jones on Springboks culture offer a fascinating, unvarnished glimpse into why the double world champions remain the sport’s benchmark.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones provided a detailed assessment of South Africa’s internal mechanics. His insights were not drawn from video analysis or statistical data, but from a candid two-hour conversation with Springbok centre Jesse Kriel in Japan—a meeting that reinforced Jones’ belief that South Africa’s dominance is built on a foundation of absolute clarity.
Eddie Jones: The ‘Best Players’ Philosophy
Jones’ approach to understanding the game has always been rooted in the advice of his mentor, Bob Dwyer. The World Cup-winning Wallaby coach once told Jones that “the best players are the best coaches,” urging him to seek out the game’s elite talent to understand the evolving landscape of rugby.
True to that philosophy, Jones arranged to meet Kriel for coffee after the Springboks’ recent Test window. Kriel, who captains Canon Eagles in Japan’s League One and is entering his seventh season in the country, offered Jones a perspective that was striking in its simplicity.
According to Jones, the conversation was less about tactical minutiae and more about the “essence” of the Springbok environment. What stood out immediately was the absence of ambiguity regarding the team’s objectives.
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Eddie Jones on Springboks Mentality: Winning is the Only Standard
The distinction between participating and competing is often blurred in professional sport, but Jones suggests that for South Africa, the line is stark. He noted that within the Springbok camp, there is no concept of simply “attending” a World Cup. The entire operation is engineered with a singular focus: winning it.
“There’s no idea of just going to the World Cup,” Jones explained. “It’s about going to the World Cup and winning.”
This mindset, Jones argued, dictates every facet of their preparation. From squad management to individual conditioning, the Springboks operate with a “diligent” understanding of their own identity. They know their strengths—physicality, set-piece dominance, defensive pressure—and they know where they need to improve. It is this self-awareness, devoid of vanity or trend-chasing, that Jones believes sets them apart.
Eddie Jones on : Rassie Erasmus Leadership That breeds Fearlessness
A recurring theme in Jones’ assessment was the autonomy of the South African players. While head coach Rassie Erasmus is widely credited as the architect of the current dynasty, Jones highlighted the critical role of the senior player group in enforcing standards.
He pointed to players like Kriel and hooker Malcolm Marx as the custodians of the team’s culture. When senior figures drive the intensity, the coaching staff’s role shifts from enforcement to facilitation.
“When you’ve got a team really humming, you can hear that from the players,” Jones said.
Crucially, this strong internal leadership structure creates a safe environment for the next generation. Jones observed that the established hierarchy does not stifle young talent; rather, it provides a framework for them to express themselves. He cited the smooth integration of younger stars like Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu as evidence of this system working. Because the standards are set by the players, the “young guys come in with no fear,” allowing for a continuity of performance that few other nations can match.
Eddie Jones Cheslin Kolbe Example
If the Springbok mindset is abstract, its physical manifestation can be found in Cheslin Kolbe. Jones reserved his highest praise for the elusive winger, using him as a case study for the work rate required at the highest level.
Kolbe returned to his club, Suntory Sungoliath, immediately following a grueling international tour in the heavy European winter. Despite the fatigue of travel and the physical toll of Test rugby, Jones noted that Kolbe’s enthusiasm remained untouched.
“If you came from Mars and arrived in Tokyo on Saturday… you’re thinking, ‘This guy’s on a different planet,’” Jones remarked.
It was not Kolbe’s footwork or finishing that impressed Jones, but his work off the ball. He described Kolbe as the player who “chases kicks the hardest” and works hardest on kick returns, treating a club fixture with the same reverence as a World Cup final.
The Love of the Game
Jones concluded his analysis by drawing a parallel with football management legend Sir Alex Ferguson. The common thread among sporting greats, Jones suggested, is a genuine love for the sport. Players who love the game possess an innate desire to improve, regardless of their past achievements.
In Jones’ view, the Springboks have cultivated a squad of players who fit this mould perfectly. They are technically proficient and physically imposing, but above all, they are “enthusiastic.”
For the rest of the rugby world, Eddie Jones on Springboks serves as a sobering reminder. The champions are not relying on secret plays or complex algorithms. They are simply clearer on their goals, harder working in their execution, and led by players who refuse to let their standards drop—whether they are playing in a World Cup final in Paris or a club match in Tokyo
