Rassie Erasmus: ‘Let’s spice it up’

Rassie Erasmus has cleared up any confusion regarding Simon Zebo’s joke about the South African being a perennial hater of Ireland and Irish rugby in general.

Zebo, who recently retired from professional rugby after an illustrious 14-year career, recently suggested that Erasmus “really, really doesn’t like” the Irish; thus adding fuel to the fire between the No 1 and No 2-ranked Test sides in the world.

RASSIE ERASMUS RESPONDS MATURELY TO ZEBO’S JOKE

Speaking during an official Springbok press conference in Pretoria on Wednesday, Erasmus laughed off Zebo’s comments as a “joke”, saying the player has since messaged him to explain that utterances were taken out of context.

“Simon Zebo messaged me, people who know him would know he’s a joke and every chance he gets, he makes a joke or a little crack here and there,” Erasmus said.

“He immediately messaged me and said listen ‘that came out totally wrong, they totally didn’t understand what I was trying to say’.”

But not one to shy away from a challenge, Erasmus welcomed a stoking of the rivalry between the two nations with the perfect response.

“So he apologised and asked if he must he go back on air and rectify it and I said no man let’s spice it up, let’s keep it that way.”

WATCH: A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME IN TWO-TEST SERIES

Ireland, South Africa is ready for you 😤🍿 pic.twitter.com/pvSyFvR0pV

— Brandon Portnoy (@BrandonPortnoy) June 25, 2024

At the same press conference, Erasmus confirmed that Siya Kolisi will be leading the team against Ireland, while hitting back at Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti’s ill-timed criticism of the South African skipper.

“Yeah, no, Siya will be captain and Siya will play No 6 flank,” Erasmus said.

“Siya’s fit and got no injury and Siya’s not fat and Siya’s not transparent,” the Bok coach added, with a smile.