Rassie Erasmus snaps at All Blacks boss. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix.
Rassie “Mind Games” Erasmus strikes again with cryptic chirps
The Springboks have delayed the naming of their side to face France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final. Rassie drops some bombs here.
Rassie Erasmus snaps at All Blacks boss. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix.
Rassie Erasmus has revealed what’s making the Springbokjs delay the naming of their team to face France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
ICYMI: Rassie explains decision to delay naming team
RASSIE IS THE KING OF MIND GAMES
Rassie Erasmus, a man infamous for his mind games and tomfoolery, has revealed why the Springboks have delayed the naming of their team to face France.
“The decision to delay the team naming is without a doubt tactical,” Erasmus answered candidly.
“We have been mixing and matching for the last year and making sure that in almost every single position we have two almost equally good players.
“In some cases, we are not even sure which one is the best, so we’re keeping our options open for a seven-one, six-two or five-three split.
“With both Handre [Pollard] and Manie [Libbok] being available, and Lukhanyo [Am] fully fit, we have sort of made up our minds.
“We want to see what the French team looks like too. That also might have an influence on us going seven-one or six-two.”
ICYMI: Full RWC quarter-final lineup with kickoff times
SPRINGBOKS BOAST AN ENVIABLE RECORD IN FRANCE
South Africa has won 11 from 12 Rugby World Cup matches in France spanning showpieces in 1999, 2007 and 2023. The Boks have played at Paris’ Stade de France 10 times, winning seven of those. The only match the Springboks have lost at France’s national stadium was against Ireland last month in the pool stages. South Africa played and won all seven World Cup matches in 2007 matches in France to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy for the second time. Back to the present, the defending champions now focus all their attention on a meeting with France on Sunday at 21:00 in the nation’s capital. A place in the final four is up for grabs.
SPRINGBOKS: Three Rugby World Cup quarter-final selection dilemmas
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game
Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates.
