Erasmus speculation spreading like wild fire
REACTION: Speculation on the future of South Africa’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus on Sunday spread like wildfire – despite no formal confirmation or denial.
The rumour mill went into overdrive, following a one-on-one interview with the Afrikaans Sunday weekly Rapport, in which it was suggested Erasmus will once again combine his duties as DoR with that of Springbok coach – a dual role he held in 2018 and 2019.
However, that article grew legs in the media and late Sunday Erasmus was already the new ‘head coach’ of the Springboks.
According to the Rapport article, Erasmus will take over from long-time coaching partner Jacques Nienaber, for the ‘foreseeable future’.
A source close to the Springbok camp told @rugby365com that “nothing is official”.
“It is what they are contemplating, but it is early days yet.”
However, that did not stop numerous publications – both in South Africa and the international media – from putting their own spin on the interview and adding unconfirmed details.
According to French news agency AFP, a ‘high-ranking’ South African Rugby Union official told them Erasmus #WILL return as coach of the world champion Springboks.
“I can confirm that Rassie Erasmus will combine his duties as Director of Rugby with that of Springbok coach,” AFP quoted a high-ranking SARU official ‘who wished to remain anonymous’.
However, @rugby365com has it on good authority that Erasmus’ dual role is set to be temporary – until such time as they confirm the replacement for Ireland-bound Nienaber.
To repeat, ‘nothing is official‘ and it is ‘early days yet‘.
Erasmus and Nienaber have formed a tight-knit team for almost two decades – starting back in 2005, when they combined to help the Cheetahs win the Currie Cup.
They also joined forces with Munster in Ireland (2016 and 2017), before returning to South Africa – Erasmus as South Africa’s Director of Rugby and head coach of the Boks, while Nienaber was the defence coach.
Nienaber took over as head coach in 2020, when Erasmus relinquished the ‘head coach’ title.
However, Erasmus remained an ever-present figure in the coaching set-up and after he was banished from being a ‘water boy’ by World Rugby, returned to the coaching box.
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Erasmus said in an interview with Rapport that the loss of Nienaber left a huge hole in the Springbok coaching team.
But he added that no one was irreplaceable, citing the loss of star hooker Malcolm Marx early in the 2023 campaign, which was followed by an injury to Bongi Mbonambi early in the Final against New Zealand, leaving the team without a specialist in the position.
With the majority of the 2023 winners having been part of the 2019 triumph, Erasmus said succession planning was essential in several positions.
He singled out lock Eben Etzebeth.
“He is so athletic but I don’t know whether he has another World Cup in him.”
Erasmus said hooker was another position in which South Africa’s resources could be thin.
Marx will be 33 in 2027, while Mbonambi will be 36 and Deon Fourie, who replaced Mbonambi early in this year’s final, is already 37.
But Erasmus said he was confident about the key flyhalf position.
Handre Pollard will be 33 but Manie Libbok is only 26, while there are several talented young flyhalves playing in the domestic game.
“We will work nice and hard on his place-kicking,” Erasmus said of Libbok, who missed crucial kicks during South Africa’s group phase loss against Ireland.
Erasmus paid tribute to attack coach Felix Jones. The Irishman is set to join England’s coaching staff.
“England has gained a jewel in Felix,” said Erasmus.
“He works himself to death, morning, afternoon and evening. Jacques is the same.”
The next big challenge for the Springboks is two matches against Ireland in July next year.
Ireland was the only team to beat South Africa at this year’s World Cup.
@king365ed
@rugby365com
* Additional sources: Rapport & AFP
