Former Springbok Ryan Kankowski says he’s optimistic about the future of Springbok rugby and not concerned following the announcement by head coach Jacques Nienaber that he will step down after this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Kankowski played under three Springbok coaches in Jake White, Peter de Villiers and Heyneke Meyer so has an interesting take on how a change in coach affects the dynamic of the national team, and following Nienaber’s announcement that he will relinquish this role to take up a new post with Leinster.
“I know Jacques and he’s a great man. I know the players love him and they’ve built an amazing culture within that team. They have a great mix of your senior players, your middle hard workers and some exciting youngsters that are coming through. That’s important,” Kankowski said.
“When a coach like Jacques leaves, the bulk of that squad will also be moving on. I think this is a great opportunity for a new and perhaps young coach to come in with his players and his style and build the squad up again. Everyone has their moment and when it’s your time to get out, it’s your time to get out.
“So I’m always excited. There are a lot of youngsters coming through and everyone wants to put up their hand and get their chance. And so too with the coaches. A new coach brings new ideas and new players, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Kankowski also doesn’t think the timing of Nienaber’s announcement will hamper the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup preparations.
“I don’t think it was Jacques’s choice. Jacques is a great guy and he would never have done something like this without a very good reason. I think it was going to come out and maybe snuck out as an attempt to unsettle the team because I believe we have a great chance coming into this Rugby World Cup. The guys aren’t firing on all cylinders yet, but they always have a plan and when they get to the Rugby World Cup they’re in amazing form.”
Turning his attention to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and the upcoming playoffs, Kankowski echoed the opinion that the travel challenges faced by the South African teams are indeed impacting on performance.
“I think it’s been tough for the South African teams, who are still trying to work out the travel component. There is no doubt the travel catches up with you as a player. I think with the once-off flights, there are no excuses. But when it’s week-in and week-out, it does catch up with you after time.”