Speaking on the Plumtree Uncut podcast, Brown explained that he had to wait several months to hear from Erasmus before being offered the opportunity to work with the Springboks.

"I didn't hear from him for a couple of months," Brown said. "So I thought, 'Oh, maybe that opportunity's gone.'"

Brown had also been considered for a position with Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi, but when Erasmus eventually made his move, the New Zealander wasted little time in accepting the offer.

"He said, 'Right, we're keen to sign you if you want to sign.' And I just said, 'Yes, I'll sign straight away.'

"And I'm glad I did. Amazing team to coach. Obviously great country to spend a lot of time in, and it's a rugby country which, when I was a player and when you toured here, it was special. Now I'm coaching here, it's special as well."

Brown has since become an important part of the Springboks' coaching setup, helping shape an attacking game that complements the team's physical strengths.

He also praised the way South Africa have continued to develop young players, with the steady introduction of fresh talent helping to keep the world champions competitive.

"With how Rassie's developed this rugby team, that's exceptional, and then all the young guys coming through and how South Africa have got that right. They're winning all those U20s tournaments now, so they've got everything right in South Africa at the moment."

The former All Blacks scrumhalf also stressed the importance of giving everything to the teams he coaches, believing players quickly recognise when a coach is not fully committed.

"If I go into a team, I just commit 100%, because if I don't, the players will feel that."