Springboks attack coach Tony Brown has 'massive insights into the All Blacks'

Springbok attack coach Tony Brown admits he’s not shy to share his “massive insights into how the All Blacks operate” as the Boks gear up for a blockbuster Rugby Championship clash at Eden Park on September 6.

The All Blacks have not lost at their Auckland fortress since 1994, and if they beat the Boks next month, it will mark their 50th consecutive win at the venue. The Springboks’ last victory at Eden Park came way back in 1937.

Brown, who played flyhalf for New Zealand in the late 1990s, is uniquely positioned to provide inside knowledge as a Kiwi now embedded in the South African setup.

“Being a Kiwi in the Springbok environment is special,” said Brown. “I’m getting asked questions about the haka, about the All Blacks, about rugby in New Zealand. I’ve got some massive insights into how the All Blacks operate.”

The former Highlanders coach in Super Rugby has long-standing ties with All Blacks coach Scott Robertson and his assistants — but come kickoff, allegiances are clear.

“For me, being part of the Springboks is a massive honour. Coaching against my home country is super exciting. I want to be part of the biggest games on the biggest stages.”

Brown also discussed his approach to managing South Africa’s depth at flyhalf, with Handré Pollard, Manie Libbok, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu all in contention.

“They might have small differences, but I don’t coach them any differently. Ultimately, they need to control the game, manage field position, and take space when it’s on.”

He emphasised that South Africa’s attacking game is built on the connection between forwards and backs.

“You can’t attack with backs alone. Backs need the forwards to create momentum and get over the gain line. The better we attack together, the better the opportunities we create.”

Brown believes the showdown at Eden Park will be South Africa’s biggest test since the 2023 World Cup final, when they beat the All Blacks in Paris.

The Springboks touched down in Auckland just after midnight on Wednesday. After a gym and recovery session on Thursday, full training resumed Friday.

“I think it’s probably the biggest game since the World Cup final, so the players are excited,” said Brown. “The All Blacks are going to be desperate to win, and so will the Springboks, which should make for an amazing game.”

South Africa head into the clash on the back of four consecutive wins over New Zealand. The last time they managed such a streak was in 1949.

“The feeling in the camp is mainly excitement,” Brown added. “The Eden Park record is on the line, and it’s an amazing opportunity for us to go out there and take on the challenge.”

The Boks are also chasing back-to-back Rugby Championship titles.

“Every Test is important in the Rugby Championship, and it’s always going to come down to one or two games. Hopefully, we can win the key ones, make a push in New Zealand, and return to South Africa with some points on the board,” said Brown.