Stick takes Rassie's seat
SPOTLIGHT: There was surprise when the Springboks unveiled their team photo ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship Round Two clash against the Wallabies in Cape Town.
In the photo, you can see assistant coach Mzwandile Stick sitting in the spot that is usually occupied by the head coach Rassie Erasmus.
The Springbok team photo is always taken the day before a match, and this week it was no different, except for Stick’s presence between captain Jesse Kriel and prop Ox Nche.
Stick is seen as a frontrunner to take over the head coach role from Erasmus one day.
Is the photo a nod to the future?
The #Springboks team to face Australia in Cape Town tomorrow 🇿🇦#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/WjKL6gL6K5
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 22, 2025
*Meanwhile, Stick said they are expecting a massive onslaught from the visitors and described the feeling in the camp early this week as being at a funeral after going down 22-38 against the Wallabies in Johannesburg.
He added that the disappointment among Bok fans really struck a chord about what rugby means to South Africa and its people.
“The Wallabies have world-class players, and they did well to capitalise on some of our errors last week,” said Stick.
“This is the standard in the Rugby Championship, so it’s important for us to go back and make it right this weekend.
“This team knows how to learn through tough times.”