Erasmus, coach who turned failing Springboks into World Cup winners

Rugby World Cup - Final - England v South Africa - International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan - November 2, 2019 South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus and South Africa's RG Snyman pose with the Webb Ellis Cup they celebrate winning the world cup final. REUTERS

Rassie Erasmus has led South Africa from the depths of despair to a Rugby World Cup triumph in just two years, with a simple coaching ethos built around handing the Springboks back their role as one of the sport's powerhouses.

The former Springbok loose forward made his international debut against the British and Irish Lions in 1997 and went on to win 36 caps, part of the squad that won the Tri-Nations in 1998 and reached the 1999 World Cup semi-finals.