Former Springboks coach Nick Mallett has stressed the vital role of assistant coach Tony Brown as South Africa adjust to recent World Rugby law changes that have affected some of their trademark strengths.
The Boks have endured a mixed Rugby Championship campaign, losing to Australia in Johannesburg and New Zealand in Auckland, with their only win so far coming against the Wallabies in Cape Town. They now sit level on five points with Argentina, while New Zealand lead the table on 10 and Australia are second on nine.
Mallett noted that several law tweaks introduced after the 2023 Rugby World Cup have particularly impacted South Africa’s style. The removal of the option to scrum from a free-kick — a tactic the Boks famously used from a mark against France in their World Cup quarter-final — has taken away one of their unique weapons. Other changes include the outlawing of the croc roll, tighter interpretations of the so-called “Dupont Law” on offside from kicks, the introduction of shot clocks for set-pieces and kicks, and additional protections for scrum-halves.
Lineout rulings have also been altered, with non-straight throws that go uncontested no longer leading to resets, a shift that speeds up play but reduces tactical leverage.
Mallett believes Brown’s tactical acumen and creativity will be central to helping the Springboks adapt and regain their edge at the top level. “Tony Brown will be crucial in ensuring South Africa evolve under these laws while still playing to their strengths,” he said, underlining how important the former All Black playmaker is to the team’s transition.
