Former Springbok rugby coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to join the squad on their northern hemisphere tour at the end of the year, as a lengthy ban on watching matches is lifted.
Erasmus, who is now the director of rugby for South Africa, has been unable to be with his longtime lieutenant Jacques Nienaber, the current coach, since World Rugby banned him in November of last year.
The prohibition expires on September 30.
World Rugby found Erasmus guilty of six counts related to his criticism of Australian referee Nic Berry following the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in July 2021, which included the publication of an hour-long video in which he analyzed what he said were Berry’s numerous errors.
On game days, Erasmus was barred from accessing venues or having any direct or indirect interaction with coaching staff or players.
Saturday’s 38-21 victory against Argentina in Durban was the final Springbok encounter in which the suspension applied.
The Springboks finished second in the Rugby Championship, behind New Zealand, after failing to win by at least 39 points, which would have put them ahead of the All Blacks.
The match was tarnished by Australian referee Damon Murphy’s awarding of six yellow cards and 39 penalties.
Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi said after the game that the Springboks had improved over the course of the year but had failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities they had generated.
“We took a significant stride forward by winning three consecutive matches, and we want to carry that momentum into the last tour of the year,” said Kolisi.
On November 5, South Africa will kick off their trip in Dublin against the number one team in the world, Ireland. On November 12 in Marseilles, they will face second-ranked France, followed by matches against Italy and England the following two weeks.
Erasmus’ 50th birthday will coincide with the Ireland encounter, and his attorney told the Rapport daily that returning to matches would be a “relief” for his client.
“He and Jacques enjoy an exceptional working connection. Rassie’s absence put a lot of pressure on Jacques. Rassie has a fundamental impact on the mood and motivation of the players,” said Frikkie Erasmus.
The Springboks, according to Nienaber, set out on Saturday with the purpose of surpassing the All Blacks and were on track when they led 17-0 until conceding a try just before halftime.
The coach stated that although the Springboks fell short in the competition, they had strengthened their roster in preparation for next year’s World Cup in France.
Nienaber stated, “We are now in a better position to learn about some perspectives than we were when we began.”
AFP