LOCAL legend Jerry Flannery was a vital component with South Africa who recorded an 18-12 weekend win over New Zealand at Cape Town Stadium and thus claimed the Freedom Cup for the first time in 15 years.
Following retirement after a stellar career with both Munster – with whom he starred in two European Cup triumphs – and Ireland, Flannery (Shannon) has forged out an impressive coaching career, notably helping Harlequins to their Premiership title and since earlier this year has blended-in seamlessly with the Boks.
That in itself is a serious compliment in that South African defence coach Flannery’s predecessor was the hugely respected Jacques Nienaber.
South Africa currently boast the best defensive record in the Championship, having conceded the fewest tries (five).
SA boss is Rassie Erasmus, for whom Flannery had full admiration during his spell at the helm with Munster.
He previously told rugbypass.com: “Rassie was really good, brilliant for us. Brilliant for Munster. He got Munster rugby back on track.”
“Rassie is a forward thinker. He is not looking at doing different things, just doing things differently if that makes sense. There are only so many ways one can do things in rugby and Rassie would think, ‘Okay, how can these things better?’”
“Everyone goes out and does all their conditioning work, does all their skill work, does all their tactics, but communication is a big part of the game.
“How you effectively communicate messages to your players is crucial and Rassie would always be looking at things like that. He is an innovator, a genius.”
Meanwhile, on the club front, Young Munster host UCC in the only fixture of the Munster Senior Challenge Cup this weekend at Tom Clifford Park.
The contest is on this Thursday night, with a 7.30pm kick-off.
