With one Munster man stepping away from the South Africa set-up after last year's World Cup triumph, it was only fitting that Jerry Flannery would step in to keep the province's presence in the Springboks camp going.
The former Ireland hooker joined Rassie Erasmus' team as defence coach earlier this year, shortly after his former Munster teammate Felix Jones had stepped aside as attack coach.
Flannery had previously worked as a coach in various roles in his native Munster, before moving to Harlequins in the summer of 2020. His first season with 'Quins saw the London club claim just their second Premiership title, putting Flannery on the map as a coach to be sought after
His role with the Springboks is his first in test rugby, giving him his first insight into an international setup outside of Ireland.
In an interview ahead of the 'Boks' clash with England this weekend, Flannery pinpointed the biggest difference he has noticed thus far between the South African camp and those he had experienced with Ireland.
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Jerry Flannery pinpoints special connection between Springboks and their fans
13 July 2024; South Africa defence coach Jerry Flannery arrives before the second test between South Africa and Ireland at Kings Park in Durban, South Africa. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Given South Africa's troubled history of division, the Springboks have occupied a strange space in the country's culture over the past century.
However, since the scenes surrounding the 1995 World Cup triumph on home soil, the team has become a symbol of unity for many in the country, with support for the team skyrocketing in the near-30 years since.
The togetherness between the team and their fans is something unlike Flannery has ever seen in his international rugby career.
Speaking on the BBC's rugby podcast this week, Flannery said:
I think the relationship with the national team is very different to what I've come across. Obviously, I've only ever played for Ireland so I can't compare what it's like in other countries.
Because there's such disparity in the country, the Springboks represent hope to a lot of the country. You can say that national teams around the world inspire the country - but not to the same level of importance as it is in South Africa.
I think the players genuinely feel that and it is something that is mooted an awful lot before games, 'Just remember how difficult it is for someone to come and watch a Springboks game and how important it is that you perform on that day.'
I think it's a good motivator, probably more so than I would have seen in other countries.
I'm sure that every country can tap into something like this. I'm not sure if this has always been there or whether Rassie has just built the environment around this and made people really aware of it. It's not a false reality or narrative he's painting, it is the reality.
The diversity in the team and the diversity in the different cultures around South Africa is important.
It's a fascinating insight into the tight-knit bond that exists in the South African camp, which has evidently made an impression on Jerry Flannery in his few months with the team.
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