Former Springbok head coach Jake White has come under fire after criticising Rassie Erasmus over the way the current coach has managed the national team.
White, who guided the Springboks to the 2007 Rugby World Cup title, questioned the frequency with which Erasmus has rotated his squad and handed out Test caps.
The former Bulls coach argued that the prestige attached to the Springbok jersey and the iconic green blazer had been “cheapened” by players earning caps too quickly.
His comments sparked a strong reaction among South African rugby supporters, with Erasmus also appearing to disagree with White’s assessment.
Following the publication of a video in which White discussed the issue, some supporters accused the former Springbok coach of being bitter, while others questioned how much credit he deserved for South Africa’s 2007 World Cup triumph.
Eddie Jones debate resurfaces, Jake White bashed
The backlash has also reignited the long-running debate over the role Eddie Jones played in the Springboks’ 2007 World Cup success.
Jones, the Australian coach who is currently in charge of Japan, was part of White’s coaching staff during the tournament and has previously been credited with making a significant contribution to the campaign.
Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett famously described Jones’ appointment as a “masterstroke”, while several players from the 2007 squad have also spoken highly of his influence.
Fourie du Preez has previously suggested that the Springboks would not have won the World Cup without Jones’ contribution.
Many fans feel Eddie Jones should take the credit, not Jake White
Jones’ reputation in South Africa was further enhanced when he masterminded Japan’s famous upset victory over the Springboks at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. His win over the All Blacks as England coach in 2019 semi-final is also another highlight.
As a result, some supporters have argued that Jones deserves greater recognition for South Africa’s 2007 triumph.
Jones himself, however, has consistently played down his own contribution and credited White for leading the Springboks to World Cup glory.
Fans question White’s 2007 legacy
White’s latest comments have now prompted some supporters to revisit his legacy as Springbok coach, with several arguing that Jones’ contribution to the 2007 campaign has been overlooked.
One supporter on X, @PeterRugbyEater, wrote:
“I never rated Jake White. Even when he won the 2007 Rugby World Cup.. We all know Eddie Jones had a huge role in that campaign. White was almost fired a few months before that World Cup after losing to Australia with a record score.”
Another user, @TheTruth3212, wrote:
“That’s true. Jake White makes me want to credit Eddie Jones for the 2007 RWC.”
Meanwhile, @The_Claymore69 posted:
“Eddie Jones carried this clown in 2007. Go watch the games in the 2007 era before Eddie Jones joined.”
While White’s comments have sparked a heated debate among supporters, the respective contributions of White and Jones to the 2007 Springbok World Cup triumph remain a subject of discussion among South African rugby fans.
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