The Springboks took a move straight out of a schoolboy playbook to devastating effect in their 45-0 win over Italy in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Coach Rassie Erasmus revealed that the midfield maul setup that led to tries by Canan Moodie and Malcolm Marx was “borrowed” from the Paul Roos Gymnasium U14B team.
“We noticed it with the Paul Roos U14B team,” Erasmus said after the Test at a packed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
“You get all the benefits that you get in a lineout if you support a guy [like that] in general play.
“It worked for us twice, so obviously now people will be alert for it.We won’t be able to do it for a few games.”
?? Midfield lineout from the Springboks before Canan Moodie carves up! #RSAvITA pic.twitter.com/TH8hb8YgL7
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) July 12, 2025
The Boks twice created mauls in general play by lifting a jumper to catch a pass from Grant Williams before driving upfield, a tactic that caught the Italians off guard.
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The clever move has been doing the rounds on social media since April, when a clip of the Paul Roos U19C team using the same ploy was shared on X.
How’s this for some innovation from PRG’s u19B/C squad against Durbanville this evening? Brilliant to see schools trying interesting things!@MB5Plug @adrian_slabbert pic.twitter.com/OwdSPQPxGt
— Alten du Plessis (@Alten_duPlessis) April 28, 2025
