Rassie's Ireland stint a double-edged sword ahead of tour opener
SPOTLIGHT: As the Springboks prepare for their tour opener in Ireland, the media in Ireland have been focussing on Rassie Erasmus’ brief stint with Munster a few years ago.
Erasmus was Director of Rugby at the Irish province whilst Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber was his assistant from 2016-2017.
There is a view in Ireland that Erasmus will have some inside knowledge on Ireland ahead of Saturday’s clash. However, the South African, who turns 50 on matchday, says it can be a double-edged sword.
The Springboks also have Leinster’s Jason Jenkins, who is in the squad but is not in the matchday 23.
“Insights, me knowing the Irish set-up very well, but then the Irish players and coaches know me very well,” said Erasmus.
“I know the question of Jason Jenkins comes up but you can look at it the other way around as well.
“He’s going back to Leinster and he will obviously know a lot about the Boks.
“It’s something that people always ask but we’d never pick a guy for that reason.”
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#ICYMI: Rassie Erasmus is ready to take in the matchday excitement on Saturday when the Springboks take on Ireland in their November tour opener. 👇#Ireland #SouthAfrica #Springboks #IREvRSA https://t.co/5QjtXp49Sf
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) November 3, 2022
Erasmus said that both sides will have done their homework on each other without having to fall back on insider knowledge.
“There’s a lot of plans that we made and analysis we did for them but they will have done the same,” he said.
“It will be great to see on Saturday which of those two plans and tactics work.
“We’re fairly confident but we know they’re fairly confident.
“It will be a great match-up.”
Additional source: AFP
