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Erasmus addresses the impact the Etzebeth assault allegations have had on the Springboks
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has played down the impact the assault allegations against Eben Etzebeth have had on the Springboks in the lead-up to Saturday’s fascinating World Cup opener versus New Zealand in Yokohama.
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The Springboks lock has refuted allegations that he had racially abused and attacked a man in the Langebaan area of Cape Town prior to the squad’s departure for Japan. However, the matter is still under investigation.
“When it first happened, it was not ideal but as I have said numerous times when I sat down with Eben, I have been coaching him since he was 18 at the Stormers and Western Province. I know him as a person and I have got a good relationship with him and when he tells me something, I believe him.
“There is a thorough investigation currently in South Africa and if something comes out of that, I’m going to believe what he tells me. We are going to co-operate fully with the authorities in South Africa, and whenever something from their side comes up and they want something to be done, we will fully co-operate with that.
“The players know his personality, I know his personality. In the team environment, spot-on – there have been no disruptions.”
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Switching to Saturday’s all-important clash with the defending champions, which will be refereed by France’s Jerome Garces, Erasmus is hoping that the current competitiveness at the top level of Test rugby will ensure that no one side will be favoured and the match official won’t be a talking point in the game’s aftermath.
“If you have been there like we were in 2009 when the Springboks were the No1 team in the world and in 1998 when we were on that 17-Test match (win) roll, you get a lot of support from fans, opposition, respect, and also from referees,” he said.
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“There is certainly a time when you get that respect and even referees buy into that respect. Because you are playing so well, referees tend to almost find it tough to penalise you in 50-50 decisions.
The @Springboks will field an unchanged 23 for the first time since the last @rugbyworldcup for their opening match of the 2019 version in Yokohama on Saturday. #RWC2019 https://t.co/L11upt2yOi
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 18, 2019
“The way rugby has evolved in the last year or so, all teams are so close currently. The point is at this stage, it is tough to say. Now Ireland are No1, then Wales, then England, and South Africa are No4. I just think that pre-conceived idea that this team can’t beat the other team is gone.
“This is a World Cup where any team can beat any team. That is the way it should be – referees should be open-minded going into Test matches – which they are currently.
“It’s big, massive,” he added about Saturday’s sense of importance playing the All Blacks. “There are a lot of emotions going into this. I played against the All Blacks in the World Cup for the bronze medal in 1999. That wasn’t a great experience – we did win the game, but it wasn’t the nicest feeling playing in the third/fourth place play-off.
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“I’ve coached against them prior to the World Cup in 2011, which was also a preparation match in Port Elizabeth, then the last three Test matches, but this is the first time in the World Cup that I am part of the coaching team, as the head coach.
“(I have) a lot of emotions, which vary from excitement to nerves to pride. This is a big game for us, not just in terms of advancing to play-off mode, but just the history between us and New Zealand.
“There is a lot at stake in terms of pride and respect between the countries and as a head coach, it makes me really proud to be with these boys in this match and knowing that both teams have equal chances in this match.
Excellent Rugby World Cup scene setter from Lawrence Dallaglio on RugbyPass https://t.co/NObs1U4HOZ
— liam heagney (@heagneyl) September 8, 2019
“The thing that makes it special is that if you ask anybody right now who is going to win this Test match, then I don’t think anybody can bet on the two teams. I guess we think we have a really good chance, and if you ask (All Blacks coach) Steve (Hansen) and them, they will think they have a really good chance.
“They now know what our team looks like and it’s a massive build-up. We are enjoying it thoroughly and when it comes to Friday evening and Saturday morning the nerves will get more.
“It will be very sad if we lose on Saturday but it’s not the end and then the Italy game becomes really important to come out of the pool. If you lose, you always lose a bit of confidence and then you have to rebuild again. Although the world ranking says they are No2, I think they are No1 in the world,” he continued before addressing concerns the match in Yokohama will be affected by rain.
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Not just the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history but one of the biggest upsets in sporting history.
David beats Goliath in Brighton at #RWC2015 ? pic.twitter.com/95P8o6Wexl
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 18, 2019
“It’s going to be a massive challenge with the rain they are predicting. Even if it doesn’t rain, everybody is talking about the humidity and slippery ball and the arms being wet. Kicking is going to play a big part but somehow you have to score points, and you can’t just get it by penalties and drop goals.
“Scoring from bad kicks and fielding kicks and living off those bad kicks is going to play a big part. Kick execution is going to be important and then the fielding of kicks and really pouncing on kicks is going to be a big part of it.”
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Loose forwards always look good going forward and winning. It’s the same loose forwards for the Crusaders and the Canes this year as last year. Too much of the shiny new things getting noticed here while older consistent ones getting bagged. It’s early days. Calm the farm.
4 Go to commentsThanks Nick, and on the money. We tend to be apathetic until something REALLY BAD happens, then we aren't! At least this applies to the Reb players and coach, if not the spectators. They seem to be getting very quick ball at times. Have they altered something, or is it just all of the skills coming together at the right time? It seems almost the opposite of the Reds, who started the season with quick ball, but haven't been showing that in the last 3 losing games. Is it attitude (McDermott hasn't looked “right” to me for 3 weeks), or something else?
9 Go to commentsGood summary. As said, Sevu Reece has been electrifying for the Crusaders. Great try and he has been everywhere. Amazing he is now equal with Caleb Ralph , club record of 52 tries for the Crusaders. That record beckons. Good to see Dallas McLeod getting regular starts at last. A big few weeks are ahead.
4 Go to commentsGood article/interview.As was said Christian Lio-Willie was barnstorming when he came on for the Crusaders. What happened at the end, self-explanatory.Captain fantastic Scott Barrett is due back soon as well, once they are back from Aussie. Great to see Ethan Blackadder back last week.
1 Go to commentsYou must have been watching one team, Andrew - and even then you missed the brightest star in the Chiefs pack - Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 2 turnovers, genuine line-out presence and grunt around the field, and the soft hands of a back.
4 Go to commentsHaha what a crock of sh!t these headlines are. Moorby’s best year was that first. Still doesn’t seem to have the same game about him as when he was fresh but has bounced back well this season to be playing consistent tight accurate footy
1 Go to commentsIt’s even dumber than Bernard Foley not kicking the penalty to touch in the Melbourne Bledisloe in 2022.
2 Go to commentsYes, they are traveling well but it’s early days. The Chiefs were in front with 20 to go while they snatched a last minute win v the Reds. Keep calm.
1 Go to commentsThe failure of the Irish system / rugby playing style to produce their own backs has them looking elsewhere for innovation and flair - not that Jordie has much flair. He’s a converted fullback. The Canes have plenty of other younger options.
9 Go to comments1.Watch Wallace Sititi be the wild card AB. A genuine full time no 8 2. Luke J like Sotutu has not delivered. 3. Chiefs have all the right cattle but badly miss the leadership of Webber. LJ is about as unconvincing as Sam Cane when under the pump. They had the winning of that game in the second half then fell apart.
4 Go to commentsYes the Rebels are showing signs of life because they are literally playing for their live -lihoods and thanks to their Australian attack coach. However they are still playing an essentially dull boring south african style for the rest of the time. And Geoff Parling must be the most useless lineout coach ever. Worse than Steve Hansen even. Interestingly we are starting to see more cheap shots and attempts to get away with cheating by Australian players, now they are being influenced by Joe Schmidt. It was exactly the same when Rennie started out as Wallaby coach and thru his tenure. Trying to teach Australians to play like kiwis doesn’t work, as the last 20 years has conclusively demonstrated. Especially when we are not as good at it as kiwis. Which of course is the whole idea …..
9 Go to commentsGreat signing, not sure where he’ll fit in though. As for him ‘playing alongside RG Snyman, that’s highly debatable given the likelyhood that the latter will spend most of the season on sick leave.
9 Go to commentsWowee!
9 Go to commentsEvery team that has played a game in Africa this Champions Cup season is already out of the competition - including the SA teams. Could be a concidence.
30 Go to commentsthat should offer some experiences for Jordie.
9 Go to commentsJust remember: He is not a winger. Took Ian Foster 2 years to figure that out.
9 Go to commentsExcellent article, Nick. We (your RP colleague Brett McKay and my 8/9 Combo cohost), are going to have LSL on our podcast later this month. He has shown consistent excellence as a leader and lock. I’ll chat with you offline about a line of questioning if you have time. H
9 Go to commentsSo no Irish fan or journalist suggested JGP was as good as DuPont. Then even the guy who supposedly did is from Wales and said JGP would be the best around if it was t for DuPont. Right, so what is this story about again
17 Go to commentsGreat news for the URC. Leinster will always attract top talent. Another huge name added to their stable
9 Go to commentsWhen you look at Australian Rugby you can see the talent coming through. There’s young players everywhere. They have the makings of a strong Wallaby team for years to come if they trust their young players. There might be some short term pain but after 30 or 40 caps together a Wallaby group comprised of the current youngsters will really be top class. It seems like the threat of going under has focused the Rebels both on and off the field. They are having a go like a team with nothing to lose and winning back the fans whilst silencing their detractors. Its funny how an existential threat can spur a team on to new highs. Taking rugby back to the communities will help to build support and create a true team for the community and one rooted into it. It may just work and save the Rebels and if they can get the financing then maybe let them have a go at reinvention. I do feel though that Australian Rugby has one too many franchises. If the Rebels die all these solid young players get infused into other franchises who will have more money, depth and resources. It would make the Australian Rugby franchises so much stronger and they may come to achieve parity with the best franchises from NZ. Super Rugby is throwing up some really entertaining games. Not too much good defence but certainly high pace, try scoring magic on display. Melbourne are no exception to this.
9 Go to comments