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 a Paul Roos Gymnasium U14 team.
“We noticed it with Paul Roos U14s,” Erasmus said after the Test at a packed Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. “It worked for us, but people will look out for it now. I think 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