Rassie Erasmus Boks

Rassie Erasmus during the Lions series. Photo by MB Media/Getty Images

SA Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus sends message to Springbok supporters

South African Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has sent a message of thank you to Springbok supporters after a gruelling 2021 season.

Rassie Erasmus Boks

Rassie Erasmus during the Lions series. Photo by MB Media/Getty Images

South African Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has sent a message of thank you to Springbok supporters after a gruelling 2021 season.

READ | SPRINGBOKS 2022 FIXTURES LEAKED?! HERE ARE SOME MOUTHWATERING FIXTURES YOU CAN EXPACT

The Springboks finished their 2021 season with a loss to England away at Twickenham but there was a lot for Erasmus and co. to smile about. 

Springboks did not play in 2020

Erasmus took the decision to withdraw the Springboks who then sat out the whole 2020 season due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, a decision that was met with widespread criticism by certain sections of the world rugby fraternity. That then resulted in them being unable to defend their 2019 Rugby Championship crown, which was then taken by the New Zealand All Blacks last year. 

READ | NEW SCOTLAND CALL UP PIERRE SCHOEMAN TAKES JIBE AT SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

The Springboks would then return for a pressure-filled 2021 season under a change in coaching staff. The World Cup final proved to be Erasmus’ last game in charge of the side, with his long-time defence coach Jacques Nienaber elevated to the head coach role, with the addition of former Southern Kings coach Deon Davids joining Mzwandile Stick. 

Nienaber got off to a winning start

He got his reign off to a favourable start with a victory over Georgia in a curtailed Test series on home soil. He then followed that up with an impressive British & Irish Lions series victory as well. That series would see Erasmus come out with a scathing attack on Australian referee Nic Barry’s officiating, which landed him in hot water and saw him handed a hefty ban that lasts till September 30 2022.

READ | PICTURES | SPRINGBOK APHELELE FASSI GOES BACK TO FORMER HIGH SCHOOL, HANDS OVER JERSEY AND TALKS TO CURRENT PUPILS

The wheels threatened to come off briefly having beaten Argentina twice in a row in the Rugby Championship in South Africa, the Springboks would go on to lose two in a row against Australia. The following game they would go down to arch-rivals New Zealand before they got their revenge on them in a massive performance the very next week. 

READ | LOCAL UNIONS TO HOST UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES IN SOUTH AFRICA

That seemed to spring them on as they went  on to dispatch both Wales and Scotland so far during the end of year tour, before unfortunately losing out to England in their final game of the year. However, Erasmus was still keen to show his appreciation to Springbok supporters for their support throughout a gruelling year. 

Erasmus’ thank you message

Thanks to those who supported the 

@springboks

 during a real tough 2021 season (for all teams involved) Also on a personal level thanks for the support !! ( Strongs MJ )” Read a tweet from Erasmus’ official Twitter account.