Andre Esterhuizen’s remarkable capacity to operate seamlessly between backline and forward duties has evolved into a pivotal strategic asset for the world champion Springboks, according to attack coach Tony Brown.
The powerhouse centre delivered a crucial performance last week when lock Lood de Jager received a red card, enabling South Africa to secure a 32-17 victory against France in Paris during the second match of their European tour.
The Springboks now face their next challenge against a resurgent Italian squad in Turin this Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 2.40pm South African time.
Turning Adversity into Advantage
De Jager’s dismissal late in the first half compelled Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus to implement unexpected tactical adjustments during captain Siya Kolisi’s milestone 100th Test appearance.
“What began as something of an experiment with Andre, developing his capability to perform at loose forward and inside centre, has transformed into a genuine tactical weapon for our squad,” Brown revealed.
“When we received the red card against France with Andre positioned on the bench, we couldn’t have asked for a more suitable impact player in that precise situation. He could contribute to mauls, participate in scrums, then immediately transition to defending at inside centre when France possessed the ball.
“Andre continues to develop and improve as we progress through the Test season.”
Setting a New Benchmark for Versatility
Brown suggested that rival nations, having witnessed the Springboks’ success with Esterhuizen’s dual-role capability, will likely explore similar tactical options within their own squads.
“I believe numerous countries possess athletes capable of transitioning between forward and backline positions,” he observed. “Ardie Savea could comfortably feature in the backs for the All Blacks, and there are certainly several French players who previously operated in the backs now performing as loose forwards.
“The flexibility that Andre provides represents a significant advantage for our team, and undoubtedly other nations will consider incorporating players with comparable attributes into their squads.”
Preparing for the Italian Challenge
Brown emphasized that the Springboks anticipate a formidable contest against an Italian team riding high after their recent victory against Australia.
“Italy delivered an exceptional performance against Australia. They present substantial threats at the breakdown and become particularly dangerous when they create space and opportunities,” he analyzed.
“We won’t approach this match with any complacency. We’ll field the strongest possible lineup capable of confronting their challenges and will prepare accordingly.”
Leadership and Sacrifice
Erasmus acknowledged the difficulty of withdrawing Kolisi during his centenary Test match, a decision necessitated by the team’s tactical requirements.
“I extend my gratitude to our captain, who was substituted specifically because Andre possesses the capability to perform at both loose forward and centre—a challenging decision to make,” Erasmus stated. “When I informed him, he accepted the situation without complaint and demonstrated complete understanding.
In our case it’s 34 guys on tour, and I think the plans the coaches made at halftime made it easier for the guys who came on
— Rassie Erasmus
“The starting players effectively softened the opposition, while the bench players completed the task. Manie Libbok entered the match and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu shifted to fullback—that adjustment functioned effectively—so I believe every player made a valuable contribution.
“That collective impact stems from players recognizing that success requires a 23-man effort. For our squad, it involves 34 players on tour, and I believe the strategic adjustments the coaching staff implemented at halftime facilitated smoother transitions for the replacement players.”
Strategic Team Management
Brown explained that South Africa’s decision to reschedule their team announcement from Monday to Thursday relates directly to De Jager’s disciplinary hearing occurring on Wednesday.
“Lood’s situation contributes to the team announcement delay, but we’re also managing several players with significant physical discomfort, so multiple factors influenced this decision,” he concluded.
Full credit to the original publisher: TimesLive – https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/rugby/2025-11-11-versatile-esterhuizen-gives-boks-tactical-edge-says-brown/