ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Thursday Dec 13, 2018

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus reveals plenty in fascinating in-depth 2018 season review

Springbok Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus confirmed that he will be stepping down as coach following Rugby World Cup 2019. In this in-depth interview, he sat down with Supersport‘s Matthew Pearce to discuss all the trials and tribulations of his first season in charge.

ADVERTISEMENT

In a candid discussion, Erasmus cleared the air on a number of hot topics that have come up in the media and with the fans this year. He goes deep on team selection, transformation and leadership within the Springbok camp.

Match by match, Erasmus and Pearce dissect the season as the former Springbok flanker gives great insight into the thought processes behind some decisions that may have perplexed or frustrated fans at various points in the season.

While the Springboks only had a 50% win record this year, the general consensus is positive as they build towards the world cup, after a season that included a series win over England and an away win over New Zealand.

“We can lose against anybody currently, and we can beat anybody currently,” said Erasmus when referring to where they are at now, ahead of next year’s showpiece tournament.

Other big topics also discussed in this fascinating 1:14 minutes chat:

  • Deliberately not taking a strong team to Washington for the Wales match
  • That Bongi Mbonambi overthrow against Australia that cost a try, and him then being substituted
  • How beating New Zealand away was effectively their key focus of the Rugby Championship
  • Siya Kolisi being the first black Springbok captain because he deserved it, not because of race
  • The contentious issue of ‘Transformation’, whereby 45% of the 2018 team should have been of colour. For the 2019 RWC, 50% of the team has to be non-white, according to the government.
    “The transformation goal has been achieved, maybe not the number (45% in 2018) but the goal has been achieved and I must take the flak for the number, but I’m not going to cheapen transformation because the number couldn’t be reached”.
  • Erasmus talks about considering players based overseas, eg: Montpellier’s Jan Serfontein
  • The RWC 2019 draw and his future after the tournament

It’s an honest chat and one that was probably much needed for South African rugby fans.

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments




Related Articles

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Springbok team named Rugby Championship

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    dubious try seals derby result

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible celebrations at schools rugby



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The fan reaction to Georgia calling out Wales this Autumn

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    England player ratings: England wake Twickenham up with huge victory

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible scenes as Italy shock Scotland in Rome

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

View All

Amateur

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 64 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Danny Care to return to Twickenham for Barbarians match this summer

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Tributes paid as World Cup referee looks to hang up boots

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Statement: Danny Care calls time on international career

View All