Tony Brown: Jerry Flannery's Irish insight invaluable for the Boks

New South Africa attack coach Tony Brown believes Jerry Flannery's insights on Ireland could have a major impact on the upcoming Test series between the sides.

Flannery (defence) and Brown (attack) are the two new coaches on the scene with the world champions, following Jacques Nienaber's move to Leinster, and Felix Jones' switch to England.

The former All Black was part of the Japan coaching team that defeated Ireland at the 2019 World Cup, while Flannery previously worked under Erasmus when the South African was in charge of Munster.

New Zealander Brown says he's already impressed with what he's seen from his fellow new arrival.

"He's my roommate, that’s been interesting," Brown said of Flannery, joking that he's become the former Ireland hooker's 'wife' in the last eight weeks.

"What I have noticed is that he is a fantastic coach. He coaches the game very well and he coaches it with some real intensity, which is ideal for a defence coach.

"Yes, he knows a lot about Ireland. I can’t tell you what he has been telling the boys but he’s definitely got an insight into their mentality and mindset."

Brown, who played Super Rugby for both the Sharks and Stormers at the tail end of his career, says the prospect of taking on Ireland this summer had a big say in his decision to link up with Rassie Erasmus' side.

"The biggest thing really is probably going to be this weekend. As a rugby player you want to play in the biggest matches.

"I have always wanted to be a rugby coach and I wanted to coach in the biggest matches, this weekend is a huge occasion, Loftus [Versfeld] is very intimidating, an amazing ground to play at, to be at, and Ireland obviously one of the better teams in the world. So it is going to be a great challenge and I just