Former Springbok Lock Van den Berg on Rassie’s Game of Inches: ‘He Shows You Where That 1% Is’
November 21, 2024 | newsport
Former Springbok lock,** Flip van der Berg**, has shared his insights on the meticulous approach of current Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, describing his attention to detail as a “game of inches.” Van der Berg, who was a cornerstone of South Africa’s forward pack during his playing days, emphasized how Erasmus’s analytical mind has taken the team’s performance to the next level, often focusing on the finer aspects of the game that can make all the difference.
Rassie Erasmus is widely regarded for his tactical acumen and innovative coaching methods, which helped the Springboks claim the 2019 Rugby World Cup. According to Van der Berg, Erasmus is able to pinpoint that crucial 1%—the small but significant details in every facet of play—that can turn a good performance into a great one.
“He shows you where that 1% is,” said Van der Berg. “It could be a slight adjustment in body position during a scrum, a half-step earlier in your lineout jump, or reading the opposition’s defensive structure. It’s these tiny margins that, when added up, make a huge impact on the game.”
The Springboks’ current dominance in international rugby is, in no small part, thanks to Erasmus’s relentless pursuit of improvement in these micro-details. Van der Berg explained how the Springbok coach has instilled a mentality where every player is responsible for maximizing their potential in every aspect of their game.
“Rassie is all about improving each player, each unit, and each department of the game,” he continued. “It’s not just about the big moments, like the last-minute tries or the big hits; it’s about those small moments, the fractions of time where one small error can cost you. That’s the difference between winning and losing.”
As the Springboks continue their journey toward another global title, Erasmus’s philosophy remains central to their preparation. Van der Berg concluded by highlighting the importance of this “1% mentality,” suggesting that it’s not just a strategy for success in rugby but a mindset that can be applied across many areas of life.
For the current squad, under Erasmus’s guidance, every inch counts.
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