Welsh Analyst Becomes Surprise Sub-Plot
Joe Lewis, a performance analyst from Builth Wells, Wales, has become a central talking point ahead of South Africa's Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg this Saturday. Lewis left Steve Borthwick's England staff after the Six Nations to join Rassie Erasmus' Springboks setup, sparking intrigue given the historic rivalry between the two nations.
Lewis's Background and Role
Lewis served as England's head analyst under Eddie Jones from 2017 to 2021, then returned after a year with the Scarlets to be senior analyst for four years under Borthwick, specializing in set-piece, defence, and breakdown. Players like Jamie George and Maro Itoje reportedly viewed him as a second lineout coach. He holds a master’s degree in performance analysis from Cardiff Metropolitan University and a degree in sports management from the University of South Wales.
Erasmus on the Advantage
Erasmus acknowledged the potential advantage, comparing it to when Matthew Proudfoot left the Springboks in 2019. "Without a doubt [it is an advantage]," Erasmus said. "It is like when Matthew Proudfoot moved away from us in 2019 and the next year we played England... Obviously some IP gets transferred and it is the same with Joe." Erasmus noted that South Africa had only one analyst while tier-one nations have five or more, and that Lewis's availability was fortuitous.
Erasmus: 'Privileged to Have Him'
Lewis was convinced to join by Felix Jones, who worked with him at England. Erasmus added: "Joe as a Welshman understands what Wales is going through, but was also involved with the English team. Every single time you’re sitting in a meeting, you’re privileged to have this guy telling you about this league and that skillset. We learn from each other." Erasmus emphasized that hiding information is counterproductive: "There’s no way an international team can be better if they just hide everything and have their own guys. It’s a massive thing for me."
