The Springboks can’t get any worse than they were last year, says Munster centre Jaco Taute.

Taute played three Tests for South Africa in 2012 before a frustrating, injury-plagued three-year period at the Stormers.

In 2016, Taute joined Munster on a short-term loan deal, but the move was made permanent when he signed a two-year deal with the Irish province.

SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus held the same position at Munster before returning to South Africa, and Taute believes he will turn the Springboks’ fortunes around.

‘I know it’s a cliche, but Rassie has worked out his planning and strategy to the finest detail. He knows exactly how he wants the Springboks to play,’ Taute told Netwerk24.com.

Erasmus, with his long-time loyalist Jacques Nienaber as his assistant, led Munster to the final of the Pro12 in 2017 and Taute says the successful working relationship between the two will benefit the Boks.

‘Rassie and Jacques work well together and for now we can expect them to make the primary focus about the defence. The Boks’ defence in recent history has not been good.’

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