Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus. Photo: SA Rugby website
In Rassie we trust: Springbok coach was planning for 2027 in 2018
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has explained how players were given ‘road maps’ to 2027 as early as 2018 when he returned to SA.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus. Photo: SA Rugby website
Rassie Erasmus has already established an incredible dynasty at the helm of the Springboks, overseeing back-to-back World Cup titles and a British & Irish Lions series victory.
Towards the end of last year, he agreed to once again take over as head coach, shifting away from his director of rugby duties in order to be more hands-on with the Springboks.
Erasmus has described coaching the Springboks as a “love affair”, emphasising his desire to coach the team to World Cup success in 2027 as another ambitious goal he has set for himself.
During a press conference in Cape Town, he also highlighted how planning for the next World Cup had already begun as far back as 2018 when he first returned to the Springbok set up from Irish club Munster.
You can watch what Rassie had to say in his first press conference of the year as Springbok coach below:
Winning World Cup titles is the priority
Erasmus also explained how the Springboks’ planning would always ultimately be targeted towards World Cup success.
“We have had two runs at it at the last two World Cup, but know we have a clean slate.
“I would rather win the World Cup than sit at 80%. It’s better than not winning the World Cup at all and sitting at 80 to 85%. We would love to get that win percentage up, but we have to be brave and take chances with youngsters.”
Erasmus draws his energy from coaching the Springboks and is not daunted by the challenge of winning three World Cups in a row.
“Look, the highs are flipping high, and the lows are very low,” Erasmus admitted.
“You just can’t take those highs away when you see people’s eyes and the gratitude, and you see the people at the airport, and you have that feeling when you’re in the changeroom just before a game.
“It doesn’t matter how much pressure there is. I’m one of those guys who says if you love something enough and can’t contribute in the way you should, you should step away.
“If I’m not good enough and the fans want me out, then it’s time to go. But at this time, I’m so in love with this country and the way we do things and the way we support the Springboks, that I can’t think of a nicer job to have, even with all the pressure.
