DON´T TRY TO COPY RASSIE

[@Don3043]

I am a saffa, love your thoughts. Rassie embraced what we do best and focused on that. You can’t copy that.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@Don3043 there we go, yes.

[@francoiscoetzer9920]

You have a “lekker” channel mate. Really enjoying it.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@francoiscoetzer9920 Dankie

[@ricardoprovan5159]

Mark, yours is a brilliant contribution to Rugby!!! A very unique view. Haven´t heard anybody express it so clearly. As an Argie I can honestly say: we must learn from all, and mix it with our own culture, for good hopefully!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@ricardoprovan5159 thank you for the kind words

[@WillemHorne]

I'm a South African and huge fan. I love this video. It's good stuff from someone who knows what it's all about. Thank you. I have subscribed, and I love the content.Well done. Looking forward to future episodes.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@WillemHorne awesome, thank you so much for the sub, its great to have you on board.

[@JaqueBezuidenhout]

Love your channel Mark. I am a South African and I agree 100 percent with you.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@JaqueBezuidenhout Thank you kindly, and love your comment

[@maakstemdik007]

The Springboks had a point to prove at the RWC, even though it was only by one point, otherwise their campaign would've been pointless...🙂 I believe that any team in the top tier can beat any other team on a given day, there really isn't much separating them, many games could go either way. Ireland beat South Africa in the final minute of their last test match with an unexpected drop goal, that's the way the cookie crumbles. The results between the AB's and the Springboks might've been different if both test matches were played in NZ, who knows. I was impressed though by the Springbok defense that prevented the AB's from scoring any tries which is rather unusual. As a South African I am relieved that the Springboks are winning, but Argentina is also a dangerous team that can punch above their weight and should not be underestimated.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@maakstemdik007 thanks so much for sharing this.

[@Edgycoo]

I dont agree. A loss is a loss and it may be close, but you have no idea how many individual moments of winning is needed to get just 3 points. A close win or loss can literally be worlds apart. I am a kiwi, but I think we are in a good place, 3rd is probably about right, but need to get more reps in and lift our game. Another year we should be better.

[@maakstemdik007]

@@Edgycoo the bounce of the ball isn't always predictable and injuries can break a team's momentum. France beat the AB's at the RWC yet they didn't make it to the final. Same with Ireland that beat South Africa but they also didn't make it to the final. A team can win against a team one week and then lose against the same team a week later. Winning isn't always a given if the teams are closely matched.

[@Edgycoo]

@@maakstemdik007 abs only lost from silly ref calls

[@maakstemdik007]

@@Edgycoo I can remember games in the past when the Springboks lost because of silly ref mistakes. Rassie decided he could either win or make excuses, it's better to win therefore he now consults with referees as part of training, it's crucial to understand the laws of the game.

[@karlvanrooyen7402]

Agree totally..just wish the AB's would get back to their old version of Kiwi rugby. Two of the biggest rivals . Bokke and AB's.

[@ryanbailey6387]

@karlvanrooyen7402 that is their old version. Nothing changed except for the other teams that have creative coaches and more depth. And what's giving the all blacks a big knock is that SA teams not part of super rugby to keep them on their toes. Most teams will start beating ABs coming years.

[@ryanbailey6387]

Boks previously had coaches with no vision. Just boring direct rugby with no plan B. They had brilliant players all the years but coaches was bad to be honest. Some coaches in SA still believe in big, no brain players.

[@willydebeer2350]

@ryanbailey6387 so true. Pieter de Villiers especially comes to mind

[@Mr.RB123]

​@@willydebeer2350say Jake White

[@optoms1178]

@@ryanbailey6387 that's probably the problem, the play book is old and predictable. They need to evolve and be innovative because the game is changing!

[@neilmontgomery3470]

I agree with your central point Mark. Each nation has to develop a core identity to how they play the game. On a related matter I heard a pundit on Irish television say something recently which I thought was quite insightful. He said. South Africa have the best defensive game in the world. New Zealand have the best counter attacking game. Ireland have the best multiphase attacking game. And France are the second best at all the above. I thought that was a good comment.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@neilmontgomery3470 yes, I like that.

[@chiefgl1161]

Really appreciate your view Mark. Very honest and necessary for many countries to hear. Gerhard here from SA.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@chiefgl1161 thank you Gerhard.

[@deselby6669]

An inspirational ,passionate ,intelligent and compelling 15 minutes Mark as always..A great listen.. Thanks to you from Dublin,Ireland

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@deselby6669 thank you.

[@gregmagennis2562]

Love that you also grew up during Kriek, Borg, Connors, Lendal, Mac, era. I too was a Borg fan - your approach to making an impact to grow our Rugby world is much appreciated. BTW Kevin Curren was a great fellow South African - I watched him and Connors play an exhibition match in my home city of Durban 👍

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@gregmagennis2562 BRILLIANT, thanks for sharing

[@kevinaraujo1935]

Totally agree. Look at Portugal not the best rugby team but they sure are exiting to watch. I see potential in their style of play.

[@willydebeer2350]

I pray they keep it up and continue their growth. Makes for good future rugby

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@kevinaraujo1935 nice example, thanks for pointing Portugal out.

[@rodeo4-p6u]

Fun fact actor Javier bardem represented Portugal in Rugby Union

[@Jim-xg7mx]

I like your channel. For some reason there are never any ''Likes"'. Its almost impossible that no-one is Liking the channel. Maybe something wrong when I watch. Weird. Keep it up, you'll get there!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@Jim-xg7mx Oh thats the first I have heard of that, thanks so much for notifying me.

[@johnplat773]

Just an idea.. might be nice to see you talking from different locations that show off your part of the world. Beaches, landmarks, etc. All adds to the flavour of the rugby news and chat.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@johnplat773 thanks so much for the suggestion. Unfortunately we dont own a vehicle and it would take me 1.5 hrs by bus ( one way) to get to a suitable beach or alike, and as a gringo carrying around camera gear etc is not a smart move. So, I will definitely think about this, but just wanted to be transparent around the challenges.

[@JohnSylvanus-zu6jq]

You can't remain on that spot man lol change location

[@louis.jacobs]

We're here to get your insight on the game. If we want to see Mexico, there are other channels to follow. Love your thoughts on the game. Keep it up.

[@irunwithscissors77]

As a Saffa I love your unbiased and insightful thoughts on the game as a whole. Boks vs the ABs is always a great sceptical regardless of who comes out on top. Rugby always wins. Waiting for the next one.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@retiefzietsman284 thanks so much for subscribing, and the comment.

[@mhoppy6639]

Couldn’t agree with you more Mark. As an England fan I want us to embrace more of what we used to be back in the 1991 tournament, if we had stuck with our conventional game I think we possibly would’ve beaten Australia that day. Instead we were baited into going for the wider approach instead of as Paul Ackford said some years later “we should have booted the leather off the ball that day”. That’s probably controversial with contemporary England fans having their picnics out of the backs of their range rovers at twickenham but unless we develop the traditional forward power and improve the overall standard of the Guinness premiership by reducing games and somehow (!) getting the clubs to recognise that the national team has to have hegemony. In 2003 we had Robinson who was a one off - another cheslin as it were and the other backs were quite ‘standard’. (and a world class goalkicker!) What we did have was an absolutely world class pack with several all time greats, Johnson, Neil Back, Richard Hill and others. NZ will come back - they always do. And it’s not like they’ve lost five in a row or anything. They’ve just lost to a very very good bokke group who just, like peak Tyson, refuse to go down.

[@ContendformyFaith]

No not 5 in a row but 4 now against the Boks.But you make very valid points

[@mhoppy6639]

@@ContendformyFaith sorry my bad I should pay closer attention embarrassed 😳 . I didn’t realise their run against SA was on that trend. They’ve obvs got heaps of talent in NZ as always but perhaps still in transition from the loss of so many alltimers and Beaudon’s not _quite_ the player he was with MacKenzie maybe not the long term answer. I think more questions for Robertson than answers at the minute.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@mhoppy6639 Enjoyed this contribution very much, thanks for making it. Rugby Fans can be fickle the world over, so take that one to heart in England. It was a great pack back then and the pack that turned up to NZ this year was steering in the right direction as well. Courtney Lawes played the game of his life in that first test I thought.

[@JohnSylvanus-zu6jq]

Nz can never win that WC again.. it belongs to south Africa

[@thomasVA9707]

I've got huge respect for england rugby, ireland is up this decade but if i remember from the 80s it was always england that was the biggest foe from the north, your team did really well last year at the world cup

[@Temp-z4u]

Gr8:to hear different ideas and thoughts .. awesome chats you put out ... November tests are going to sizzle !!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@user-rr3pu9tl5j thank you kindly.

[@GeraldMoses-tl3jz]

Hey Mark 👋. You absolutely hit the nail on the head. Your DNA Your style of play will always get you over the line from the jaws of defeat. This indeed is best Springboks era I've ever witnessed with no disrespect to class of 2009. Thanks Mark for always complimenting the Springboks I really appreciate that. I know the All Blacks will definitely bounce back, they too much of class team to last long in a slump

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@GeraldMoses-tl3jz thank you for this fine contribution sir.

[@noneofyourbusiness768]

Thanks for your videos. I really enjoy the community. At the moment I'd rather keep my mouth shut and be thought a fool instead of opening it and remove all doubt. I made the 5 th team reserve bench in school. For my own safety I guess lol. Still love our game and your channel is awesome. Having the abs over is an honour. Thanks again

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@noneofyourbusiness768 please dont be shy, there are no experts here, just rugby fans and all comments that are respectful will be respected. So let us know your thoughts.

[@anelfrylinck841]

Enjoyed your tennis story!! Cannot wait for the Argentina game, what a passionate nation they are! Won't be surprised if these 2 teams will circle in prayer after the game...❤❤❤

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@anelfrylinck841 thank you so much for the recent sub, and for this comment. Appreciate it all

[@Nyte-Owl]

The Boks 2015 - 18 were in a really bad place. I remember we tried so hard to play this running, New Zealand style of rugby and we suffered our worst ever defeats. It wasn't until we got back to our roots that we became world beaters again: forward domination, set piece, territory. Once we started playing "Bok Rugby" we slowly climbed back up to the top of the tree. So I totally agree with this video. Great channel. 🇿🇦♥️

[@shailendrasingh6444]

Great content Mark! 🇿🇦

[@trevoroutim8519]

Very wise words Mark.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@trevoroutim8519 thank you

[@hankgoldenshaft]

More pain to come for us, but it’s all part of the process. Also, SA have great depth because of their player base and because they are able to select from players abroad. I believe Rassie instigated that change in SA rugby. Since then they have flourished

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@hankgoldenshaft you nailed it Dion, thank you.

[@Neelie799]

I agree totally with you. Rassi has a unique situation that he is working in. I do believe that both Razor Robinson and Joe Schmidt will improve. They are right at the beginning of their tenure. Felipe Contepomi and Steve Borthwick are further along the road. You can see improvements with every game. The big thing is for all the coaches to be inventive and think out of the box. Rugby will be the winner with that attitude. It’s not something new.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@Neelie799 solid comment in my view, thanks for making it

[@petrusvanderMerwe-o9k]

as south african we have only touch the surface to the talent available rsa needs to do more in creating infrastructure

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@user-jh8uh3ki3i great shout out, thank you

[@gordondate7058]

Good program, thank you,I am South African and I have subscribed

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Awesome, thank you!

[@lionelannandale8153]

Great topic,when visiting my sister in Christhurch i took her son to a touch rugby mach and discovered the diffeence between NZ and AB rugby.. You guys take touch rugby very serious having touch compitition and lots of females also involved.. I could not believe my eyes with the amazing skill levels that was out of this world..then also you play size against size.. In SA touch is used for warming up exersize never heard of a touch compitition here. From under 9 our boys play full contact and age against age not size against size I always admired the amazing skill level of NZ players big or small(look at the dummy of n3in the first test) And because of the contact our boys are used to look at Kolbe bumping of Scot Barrett.. To me your strenth must be your skills..

[@franciscofortuin3682]

In the All Blacks golden era it was their belief system apart from their skill and talent that set them apart from other teams. Today I see that indomitable spirit in the Springboks, coupled with raw power and fearlessness...and a vault of talent. SA definitely are the benchmark now and respect to them. The gauntlet has been laid down for the All Blacks and the rest of the world. They need to embrace this and dish up a spectacle everytime they play the Springboks

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@franciscofortuin3682 wonderful contribution, thank you

[@HeiniOdendal]

Love your channel, from SA!!!

[@lawrencekleyn3914]

Mark, its nice to listen to you because it makes me relaxed among sports lovers like you, thanks

[@RikkieGroenewald]

You are so right....every nation has its own rugby DNA. Keep it alive....otherwise it will be pretty boring if we were all the same.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@RikkieGroenewald indeed.

[@JGK1977]

Thank you Mark for a excellent video. From South Africa

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you kindly.

[@andrefouche9682]

Great insights.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@andrefouche9682 thank you

[@WillMostert-qy8ji]

Great video Mark. I’m a South African living in Auckland. I was a PE teacher, rugby coach and referee in my life. It is sad to see and hear how people respond to so called bad decisions from referees and the TMO. Even I don’t understand all the rules of rugby anymore. To enjoy rugby more we need to update our knowledge of the rules. Maybe you can look at the rules in some videos. Then I agree with you about not trying to copy Rassie. He is amazing and doing a great job in South Africa. New Zealand must try to work on the depth of players. Razor is doing a great job.

[@vaydahmason33]

NZ is different to most, we couldn't copy anyone if we tried. Our only pick from NZ based player policy doesn't allow us to hold onto players like other countries do. So what we have is a continual recycling of the spine of our national team almost every 4 years. If we could our depth would be crazy!

[@DansonObakengKontle-y4h]

Hi Mark i think you're right no one shall copy Rassie only team that can disturb us is Ireland 🇮🇪 but hope we will come with an vaccine next time love from Pretoria

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@DansonObakengKontle-y4h ha ha good one.

[@boddela4544]

WE lrish are chasing Nobody,we will only get better, because Rugby IS Not so big in lreland,Nr 3 Sport played in lreland,,when the Kids get more interested in It.then we will BE very interesting😋

[@DansonObakengKontle-y4h]

@@boddela4544 Agree same in SA during the year 2004 when we where young we grew up that this sport is for white people until we get interested.

[@fanamlawuli6761]

​@@boddela4544we South Africans have a population of 60 mil, and a lot of that population is just getting in to rugby, we will dominate for a long time

[@zeuszoegutsy]

Nice vid and great advice - as Saffas we need to guard against hubris and over-confidence Always be respectful to those you are competing with and I think Rassie's got that in himself and that he is imparting it to the rest of the team - we are blessed and should be thankful that the Boks are shining a light in what is otherwise a pretty dark country

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Well shared, I thank you for it.

[@jeromenel7372]

Absolutely correct! Been times when everyone wanted to copy the AB's and got smacked. What the Boks are doing, is using what we've always had, the different characteristics of our different races and mold it into 1, and using it

[@jeffreykgatitsoe627]

@@jeromenel7372 The Boks have never tried to copy the AB's purely because we play two different styles and our players are built different. In South Africa, we've always had an abundance of talent but never used it correctly. Rassie on the other hand has made sure that we put that talent to good use thus we export less players to Europe, who end up switching nationality. Yes, we have a lot of players plying their trade in Europe but fewer players change allegiance now compared to the past. Most of these players want to don the Green and Gold more than ever.

[@jeromenel7372]

​@@jeffreykgatitsoe627 absolutely agree

[@jeromenel7372]

Never said WE tried to copy them. Also can't be denied that their style were copied the world over

[@jeffreykgatitsoe627]

@@jeromenel7372 most definitely bro.

[@emmdee7552]

Mark your tennis story kind of reminds me of the movie Cool Runnings when the one guy on the Jamaican team thought they should copy the Swiss, but they learned they could only be successful doing the luge their own way . Same goes for Springboks though as well. Whenever in the past they have moved away from their own DNA, they have not been as successful as they are now. I am South African BTW.

[@kurukoei]

Saffa here. Nice video and insightful comments. Thanks

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you kindly for being here

[@noahdaniels7103]

As Springboks we have our own DNA. i remember yhe days when everybody rugby Union complaned about the way we play kicking and forward based rugby. We had a hard look at ourselves and realised we need to stick to our DNA but also to evolve our game. Nobody needs to copy us they need to stick to what works for them. Like we say its not DNA but RSA. THEY PLAY FOR US THEIR RAINBOW NATION.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@noahdaniels7103 thank you for this contribution.

[@GeorgePie-li6hw]

Great stuff from a Kiwi, never a wayward lopsided comment, straight up ballanced and intelligent logic, the Kiwis need to hire you Mark.

[@ericbreeden411]

Mark, I couldn't agree more. Being from the United States and our level here, we need to find our identity. Like I said in another post, all players and assistant coaches need to buy in on the head coaches philosophy. Once that environment is met, then the game gets exciting. I love the state of Test Rugby now. It's exciting, nail biting experience.

[@paulrooy371]

SAFFA here... As always, fair comments Mark... Thanks for another good vid...

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you sir

[@NicholasFrans-t4z]

Hi fokes what we as south Africans must realize is the springboks are bringing this winning culture and we are Al glad and happy but what we have to realize that every game the springboks are playing from now on we as the springboks are under heavy pressure because we get use to winning ways if we loose one test and we Al know it can happen than the hole world wants to take you on remember what happen in Japan it's very difficult to win all the time when can slip 🎉proudly south African

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@user-xu8xm1nz5r thank you. There is that saying, its easier to fall down the mountain than it is to climb up. Enjoy the moment, embrace it now, thats important

[@johanvanzyl8479]

Real and Necessary statement - we have 2 N Hemi teams ready to beat the best and Los Pumas who can beat the AB's in NZ - This is good!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@johanvanzyl8479 thank you for the contribution

[@alvinmoir4137]

Hi Mark, great video. As a South African I agree with you. I miss the Super 14 Rugby tournament and I think that has some how made the Kiwi teams a bit weaker. I now live in Australia but when I lived in Durban I enjoyed watching the Sharks vs Blues, Crusaders or any Kiwi team. As far as the Championship is concerned I would like to see Fiji, Tonga or Samoa involved. Look how strong the Pumas are now… 😎👍🏉

[@bloubull]

Agreed! All the styles and flavors are what makes rugby a great sport. Only one issue all teams have to deal with are the World Rugby law changes that force change into the game. Look at what they are doing to the set pieces which affect the core Springbok style. As Rassie said "adapt or die".

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@bloubull sound comment, thanks for making it.

[@jameshartzenberg5763]

Hi Mark. We share the same era. Ivan Lendl fan here. S.A. has grown to where they are today. Totally agree. Stick to your own DNA. Nothing wrong with incorporating a few ideas beneficial to your style of play. Other countries has catch-up with NZ. My team and coach of choice will produce the entertaining rugby the All Blacks has been known for. First year for me is nothing but laying the foundation meaning that setbacks are inevitable.Winning can sometimes be misleading and a false sense of security. And that in it self can leeds to complacency. Valuable stuff is learned from defeat but not so much in victory. Razor is capable. His best ways of progress with NZ will be by making errors himself.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@jameshartzenberg5763 great sharing here, thanks for taking the time to write it.

[@Bambi157]

Enjoying the content mate! From SA 🇿🇦

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@Bambi157 thank you kindly

[@Won_By_One]

Great insights on a topic hardly covered. Nice. Or like we would say in Durban SA, "thats kiff bru". John.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@Won_By_One Dankie........or as we say here. Muchas gracias

[@maakstemdik007]

Razor needs to find his own cutting edge if he wants to look sharp 🙂

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@maakstemdik007 BOOM BOOM

[@maakstemdik007]

@@insiderugbywithmark in Afrikaans BOOM can be translated as TREE or CANNABIS 🤣🤣

[@claudiociacci]

Thank you for your great analysis! From Argentina salud!!

[@rohannfraser8503]

I agree Mark, the AB have an amazing style and they don’t need to copy anyone. They need to hone their own style and game plan. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@stevecarter1164]

Thoughtful analysis, Mark. Thanks from a Saffer.

[@safe7392]

Thank you Mark. Great analyzing the game..

[@paperfoxradio]

Think this might be some of your finest work Mark 👍👍👍

[@optoms1178]

People forget that we Springboks had a very rough patch and were down and out. Thank God Rassie came to the rescue ❤ So NZ just needs to evolve their game and this patch will pass. BTW as a South African I love your channel it's objective and fair.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@optoms1178 thank you very much for the comment and the nice words.

[@kevinimmelman1876]

Thanks Mark for the insight. Must agree with you regarding teams developing their game with their own DNA as a base. An important point to remember is the ever changing laws. The teams that adapt their style of play to the rule changes the quickest will be the most successful.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you Kevin, keep enjoying your rugby

[@graemebarnes4405]

Great insights into the game there mate. I also think management plays a big role in Rugby. You can have the best coach and players, but if management don't support the coach's vision and the teams goals 100% there will be losses on the field.

[@scumunkel]

Really enjoyed your minute by minute analysis of the test in Cape Town last week. With these teams it is a game of margins and the drops have really gone the Boks way of late. About time! 😂 At any rate, did you notice Sevu Reece speaking to the ref at the most critical time and missing Marx’s start? Man, this constant badgering of the ref by the players is really irritating but here at least the team paid the price

[@trevorbotha4894]

Great Mark...... Ur right

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@trevorbotha4894 thank you

[@shashlie135]

Im not too worried about the All blacks. For the last 20-30 years the all blacks has aways been the team to win at every world cup. Any team can go through a rebuilding phase. And what iv seen so far the rest of the world need to watch out. Thank you for the channel im from south africa

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@shashlie135 thanks very much for sharing your opinion.

[@noahdaniels7103]

Sorry mate but in the last 30 year South Has actually won 3 world cups with All Blacks 2 back to back. And England has won 1.

[@shashlie135]

@@noahdaniels7103 maybe you don't understand what I mean. No team I the history of international rugby has occupied the no1 rankings longer than the ALL BLACKS. understand me now?

[@eliehhajj]

Each sporting culture has a unique DNA which makes different from all others. Flair to the French rugby, skills to All Blacks, brawn & physicality in SA, passion & raw emotions in Ireland, mental toughness in english rugby etc... National coaches should build their teams around these natural traits and qualities and refrain from copy pasting of playing styles alien to them.

[@Camcolito]

Nah bud our unique DNA isn't passion and raw emotion and running around like headless chickens without a plan, thanks for the input though.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@Camcolito are you Welsh?

[@Camcolito]

@@insiderugbywithmark Irish. We can do without pontification on "cultural DNA" and other 19th century ideas, in my humble opinion, particularly when they are just based on lazy stereotypes.

[@kurukoei]

Mental toughness used to be Australia's biggest weapon. As a young boy growing up in SA, I admired the Aus teams of the late 90's early 2000's. The Brumbies rocked super rugby and Australia was such an all rounded team. For me, their decline started after the 2003 WC loss to England. ABs have ruled world rugby with only SA challenging in 2008/9 and the Rassie era. All the teams are strong now and it's great for world rugby. Can't wait for the 2027 WC

[@Mikeup104]

Ola amigo, some valid points in this one for sure. I think Rassies brilliance is his ability to think outside the box and innovate. Copying will never be innovation so I stand with you there. However, I do think to a certain extent Rassie has changed the game. He has shown how valuable depth on the bench is. This is something that I do believe call it copying if you like, all top teams must strive for. Depth isn’t just a good thing for a match day 23 but also allows healthy competition in a team, it pushes all players to be better and doesn’t put quality players in a box where they might not get opportunities. It’s healthy. His man management is impeccible. Outside of that, I agree, the DNA of each team is important and their identity also drives their purpose. Not all teams have the suffering of their population to motivate them like the Boks do. NZ is for example to a large extent a far more equal society and therefore playing for their people may not give the same motivation. Playing for the history of the jersey has always been what I think they should play for. England are for example the most disliked team, they must be motivated to make the world eat their words. Etc etc. however. Depth is one area where I believe every top team MUST copy the Boks.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@Mikeup104 great comment in my opinion thanks for making it, and as you have written there are different ways of seeing things. One thing many under estimate about NZ is that there are only 5 million of us and 140000 registered players, so its tiny in comparison to most, this is one of the factors that fuels our sporting success, Americas Cup, Olympics and Rugby to name a few.

[@marietjieventer5738]

Hi Mark, thanks for your awesome informative channel, really enjoy your posts. I have a lot of thoughts: 1) Rassie is sooo creative. SPRINGBOKS won RWC🏆 & then went several gears up(or maybe went to clutch & low range) to play expansive Tony-Ball & defend Jerry-Style, winning NB post-WC matches(& probably RChampionship. He incorporates young, exciting players, flanked by experience. Springbok rugby is thriving, having depth. 2cent thoughts, loving Conteponi, think Razor just a club coach, not national standard(just my 2 cents). Springboks win, with pure grit

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@marietjieventer5738 thanks for the awesome comment and support. Plenty to think about here that you have written, so thanks for that.

[@marietjieventer5738]

@@insiderugbywithmark thanks again, also, for your knowledgeable & ongoing rugby comments

[@MichaelPersson-d5h]

Great point: play your own game. Like your personal tennis analogy.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you, like and appreciate your comment

[@acegreen9462]

The TonyBall that we (SA) are playing...it freaks me the fuck out. Im not used to seeing a springbok team giving away so many turnovers...i dont like this loose goose type of play.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@acegreen9462 we will have him, send him home, return to sender, now, please.

[@michellerobertson3268]

😂😂​@@insiderugbywithmark

[@conradcronje]

Love your content 💯👌 thank you from SA 🇿🇦

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@conradcronje loved the comment, thanks

[@AD-zcvnt]

Thanks Mark. Gonna make a wild guess that Argentina are going to take one of the 2 games against SA. Most likely the first. Regarding your points, very good. I think the other coaches would love the selection headache that Rassie has, but each team do have their own usp & have always had i think. The ABs will come very good in 2. England will greatly improve but need willis. The back row is key, i think, for all teams. This past 2 years, teams with a performing backrow win. SA are spoiled bar 8 atm. Lots to think about here. Thank you again for your thoughts.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@AD-zcvnt and I thank you also for your thoughts sir, great stuff.

[@seanpinkey8798]

Excellent analysis Mark! I agree- each country needs to develop their own strategy rather than copy Rassie! And I am also a big tennis fan! Because I live in Melbourne I attend the Aus Open every January for the last 30 years since I migrated from SA.And just like you I also followed Bjorn Borg,Jimmy Connors,John McEnroe etc.Glad to see we both follow rugby & tennis! And I follow cricket as well in fact I go every year to the Boxing day test at the MCG.Cheers

[@bgoldberg6802]

Remember Springboks from all walks of life and culture, many come from farms. Low income families. They are chosen into the elite rugby fraternity. Talent is nurtured from youth. Awesome channel.

[@robertowilco7422]

Great show Mark

[@SidneyBromfield]

nice insights - south africa has passion but other teams also have some great individual players

[@insiderugbywithmark]

You are welcome, thank you for the comment

[@davesmith826]

Rassies main innovations were (A) rotation of players and combinations in the years leading up to World Cups and (B) the Bomb Squad. You can only do A if you've got a gigantic pool of talent. No nation can beat SA for strength in depth. France probably have the biggest pool aside from SA, but key weaknesses in some areas - tight five especially. Ireland have about 160 pro players in the entire country, most of whom are not tier-one test material. New Zealand are hamstrung by their overseas players rules. England have a good balance between fowards and backs but nowhere near the depth of the Boks. You can only do B if you've got props and second rows coming out the wazoo. There are some outstanding scrummagers outside of SA - New Zealand, England, and Ireland have many world-class players in their packs. But they don't have enough talent in reserve for a 7-1 split. They could have some success against the lower ranked teams with this tactic, but they'd have little success if they tried it against SA and would, more importantly, nullify other strengths in their teams. This, therefore, is also a no-go. The only way to knock SA off their perch is to play a style that suits the playing pool, rugby ethos, and youth and provincial structures of the country.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@davesmith826 hey Dave, thanks for this contribution, appreciate it.

[@fahmystoltz1556]

Hi Mark Im from South Africa enjoying your casts.. Thank you for that! I have a Question for you and would like to know how you feel about that.. Would you say that when you say that NZ should go back to their Routes in developing players and rugby, Does the integration of players from the small countries around NZ have an impact on how local talent develops?

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@fahmystoltz1556 great question. Forever the relationship NZ has with all of the Pacific Islands is unique and a very rich part of our history. Remembering the Polynesians first inhabited New Zealand, thats where our history began. Over the decades many Pacific Island families moved to NZ in seek of work and opportunities for their children, again another rich part of our history. This in turn greatly improved our player pool at all levels across NZ rugby. I hope this further insight.

[@stephkorb2836]

I am a SA supporter and I can’t agree with you more. A couple of years back SA tried to copy NZ and it just didn’t work. Play inside your own strengths and NZ is a brilliant team. I know people think SA has got a boring game plan but we will never win the NZ team if we try to play like them. There skill set is just brilliant. Thx for the channel!!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@stephkorb2836 you´re awesome for subscribing yesterday and crossing that bridge, so thank you for that so much. Great comment, enjoyed reading it.

[@truthfinder7064]

Yeah, agree. The boks current style and method of play wasn't created in a vacuum. They started this running style after last years world cup, but did not let the typical solid brutal SA style of rugby leave their DNA. The explosiveness of the bomb squad, the intimidating scrums, rolling mauls and in your face carries, is still a big part of SA, and their identity. Also clearly their defence coach needs recognition as well.

[@dmazingi]

Totally agree. The s story of rassie's success is basically about getting back to South Africa 'DNA'. He got them playing and thinking I'm a way that was natural to them and they were clear about that identity. So anyone who copies them will never beat them at their own game because we all have to find our own identity and just be good at that.

[@zachariatekawaare4761]

The key is not to be a copier but to be an innovator. Also, keep in mind that Rassie has built his depth for at least 7-9 years. This building was NOT a priority during Foster's time in the lead seat. Razor can only use the players who are available. The key to ABILITY is availABILITY. The depth will come over time, as will a return to AB excellence. (A retired Kiwi bloke in the USA) Goodonya for the site. I've been enjoying each posting

[@7101275129087]

Hi Mark, Thanks for sharing your views! I really enjoyed the episode and appreciate your insights. However, I’m curious about one aspect of the game-why aren’t reserves used more intensely? It seems like bringing on fresh legs right after the middle break would allow the starting players to put in a bit more effort before halftime, making the team stronger for the remainder of the game. What’s your take on this?

[@Won_By_One]

Hey Mark. Here's an idea, why not try do a "live Q & A" show some time? Many KZbinrs in sport do it and give followers a chance to ask live questions. It really works. Let me know if I can help. John, Cape Town

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@Won_By_One Hola John, stop reading my mind.......:) . So stay tuned, its coming

[@MichealJohnAdendorff-jp2cv]

Yes,the passion and pride of Bokke cannot be copied

[@Won_By_One]

About Fiji: I think a Islanders team would be amazing, made up of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Then get them to be the 5th team in an expanded Rugby Championship. Will grow the game in those 3 island countries a lot.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@Won_By_One hands up for that, yes please.

[@charleswanderi7737]

That actually happened in the early 2000's but that Pacifica combined played excessively physical rugby and Eddie Jones the then Australia coach quickly cooled on the idea and it was scalped after 2 seasons.

[@lazlo4597]

I fully agree! Always stick to your strengths. Some years back South Africa tried to copy New Zealand and that did not work plus we as Saffas take no offence.

[@ishdad9289]

well said mark

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@ishdad9289 thanks

[@georgekiblor8240]

First of all the current generation of Springboks are ballers. There’s a lot of stars. Kolbe is like a Vinicius, all the kickers either kick good or are excellent attackers. They do everything with that Real Madrid Class.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@georgekiblor8240 thanks for sharing.

[@knowmean]

Hi Mark, African product right here boet. Love your story about your tennis and how you brought that into the rugby . Brilliant. But unless you try pronounce some springbok player names, I gonna moer you. 😂😂😂 just kidding Mark, huge fan. Keep it up 💚🇿🇦🖤🇳🇿 two best of all times

[@Tuatara587]

Thanks Mark - also I wonder how much SA withdrawing from the S12 competition has led to their rise back into international rugby ?

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@Tuatara587 Significantly I feel

[@DudleyIsaac]

Just food for thought ...it would be interesting to see what the teams would look like and perform like if only players born in that country could represent them...apparently at the last World Cup only South Africa and Argentina had only players born in their countries playing......I think thats the way it should be...

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@DudleyIsaac very interesting comment, thank you for making it.

[@RugbyGuru-b8f]

You spot on mate. ABs bacame soft. To many distractions. We need those policemen, farm boys and strong buggers from yesteryear. NZR must focus on going back to their roots.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

There you go.

[@nspocter4710]

There's is nothing wrong with NZ rugby. Both games were really close. On any other day the result could have gone there way.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@nspocter4710 thanks so much for sharing your views.

[@phillipsugwas]

Rassie did exactly that. Created a strategy that was suited to traditional SA strengths. But he is moving on. And u can see that emerging even now.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@phillipsugwas yes he is, and yes you can. Thank you for the comment

[@fabianklaaste1476]

As a Saffa I'm actually very concerned about the state of the game when our depth is so deep compared to other top teams...it is a red flag that we need to turn the tide. Rugby is a cultural sport ingrained in the social fabric of S.A. and will always grow and survive but it's not in a number of others and and those others are very important in order for our global game to survive the onslaught from league and other derivatives. World Rugby need to try and give more support and work closely with the major Unions in order to push the trajectory upwards...we are in competition for eyeballs and attention and new markets...they have to act.

[@ernstzellhuber6113]

Im South African, and i still dont understand how SA is doing this, they seam very average with too many penalties, but somehow the just have grit, they dont give up. All the Int. teams are so good, i love watching all of them.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@ernstzellhuber6113 believe me, its all true.

[@gigolicious]

I diisagree. I think the Springboks will rule this sports for a long time to come. Too much passion, too much talent, no one there to challenge. New Zealand too insular and small as a nation.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@gigolicious thanks so much for your opinion, lets see how it ages.

[@TheContrarianMind]

@gigolicious hi, I would have to disagree with the "no one there to challenge" Ireland, France, New Zealand, and even England can all challenge SA. Ireland has beat SA 4 from the previous 5 games and twice in the last 12 months, one of which was in South Africa. Results speak for themselves, and the remaining countries I mentioned, you only beat England and France by a point last time out. As others have stated all 5 teams on top are competitive and can beat each other on any given day, more often than not, need a ref decision to go their way.

[@AgreementMpala]

Good

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@user-ks5rg9yc2z I shall work harder to get to ¨great¨ :-)

[@jon-jondry9111]

It is not just one person, it is a nation

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Brilliant point

[@AffectionateMountainRang-xv8gv]

The basics never change.

[@sniperdps]

A few thoughts if it’s alright with you, Mark. 1) it’s clear New Zealanders set an extremely high bar for the All Blacks. This is mostly good, but if you’re not careful could also come back to bite you: 2) from a South African’s perspective I know that being too unreasonably demanding could lead to a bunch of coach changes and once you hit that spiral, well, that’s when you lose to Italy or Japan. 3) I think NZders need to come to terms with the fact that 2011-2018 was a bit of an enigma. Everything lined up for New Zealand in terms of player development, systems and the way rugby was being played. Things have changed a lot since then. 4) I do think NZ need to rethink their domestic systems. They need to allow players to play overseas, and they need to rethink Super Rugby. Playing against Australia is giving them nothing right now. I think a league that involves the NZ/Aus Franchises, along with a few from Fiji/Samoa/Tonga that joins Japan would be a step in the right direction. But I think rugby has become a lot more global/professional, even since 2015. And so think New Zealanders mostly need to come to terms with the fact that they aren’t going to blow away every single team by 50 points for a 100% win record every season anymore. I can definitely see the All Blacks going back to #1, but I think the competition between the top 10 teams is more fierce than ever before and I don’t think any team will dominate like the All Blacks did in 2015 again. Even the Boks lost at home to Ireland this year. Just my $0.02.

[@brettfleiner4906]

In Rassie's words "Keep the main thing, the main thing"

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Love it

[@redneckReno]

Agreed. I think that's one of the many problems we have here in the states. We have no real Rugby Identity. It seems to be up to the coach du jour on who he want's to copy. The thing I really can't stand about U.S.A. Rugby is the... one out to a pod one out to a pod one out to a pod kick