Cape Town - Former Springbok centre Jaco Taute is confident that Rassie Erasmus will bring about a change in fortunes for the national team.

Erasmus, who is SA Rugby’s director of rugby, is expected to take over the coaching responsibilities of the Springboks following the dismissal of Allister Coetzee.

Erasmus took up his director of rugby position late last year after leaving Munster in Ireland.

Taute, who played under Erasmus at Munster, told Netwerk24 he expected Erasmus to improve the Springboks.

“I know it sounds like a cliché but Rassie’s planning is worked out in the finest detail and he knows exactly how he wants to play. Structures are important to him and he knows how to outsmart opponents. He’ll make sure he has the right players. His performances speak for themselves, but anything will be an improvement on last year,” Taute said.

Taute, who played three Tests at centre for the Springboks in 2012, also added that Erasmus’ right-hand man, Jacques Nienaber, will make sure the Springboks’ defensive system is vastly improved.

During his time in Ireland, Erasmus was named as PRO12 Coach of the Year after leading Munster to the top the log for the first time in six years as well as to the semi-finals of the European Champions Cup. Munster won 26 out of 32 matches in all competitions.

Before he left for Ireland in 2016, Erasmus was SA Rugby's general manager of high performance, while he previously occupied the coaching and director of rugby roles at the Stormers.

He first made a name as a coach when he guided the Cheetahs to Currie Cup titles in 2005 and 2006 (shared with Blue Bulls in 2006).