Share

Mitchell highlights flaws in SA rugby

Cape Town - John Mitchell, who is set to leave South Africa to coach the USA's national rugby team, has highlighted flaws in the current South African game.

READ: Why Stormers snubbed Mitchell

READ: Politics in SA rugby made Mitchell leave

New Zealand-born Mitchell was earlier this week named head coach of the USA Eagles for the next four years.

Mitchell, a former All Blacks, Western Force and Golden Lions coach, was recently linked with the Stormers head coaching role, but the Cape franchise eventually opted against hiring him.

The Stormers had initially appointed Eddie Jones as their head coach, but were then forced to look for a new mentor when Jones left for the England head coaching job.

The Stormers eventually appointed former backline coach Robbie Fleck as interim coach.

With Mitchell now lost for South African rugby, he left a powerful message for those in charge.

“It is challenging times here (in SA). They are a global model as well, they are professional in title, but I’m not so sure whether they are that (way) in preparation and delivery,” Mitchell told New Zealand's Radio Sport.

“And somebody needs to show leadership about changing the attacking mindset to create a higher probability of scoring. I see that as the leadership that’s necessary.

“For us as New Zealanders and as coaches, it’s a very easy thing to coach, but here it is far more challenging.”

According to Mitchell, his former team is getting it right under the guidance of Johan Ackermann as head coach.

“The Lions have shown that approach over the last six years and it’s starting to show the benefits of changing that mindset.

“So there is an example in front of their faces, but not too many of the other franchises know how to go about it at the moment which is worrying.”

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE