Potential Rassie Erasmus successor weighs in on latest controversy

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan has acknowledged that “there are many different ways” to approach team announcements, but stressed that the priority is ensuring “the players must know what’s going on.”

The issue of team naming has become a hot topic in rugby after South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus named his Springboks side on a Monday last week, only to make a series of changes as the week progressed, right up until an hour before kick-off.

While that has proven to be controversial in some quarters of the rugby world, van Graan, who replaced Erasmus as head coach of Munster in 2017 and is one of the contenders to succeed him as Springboks boss, does not think it is an issue providing the players are informed.

Speaking at the Gallagher PREM launch at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, the South African described the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series as “fascinating” and expects this weekend’s clash in Soweto to be no different.

The Springboks and All Blacks head into the third Test at FNB Stadium with one win apiece, meaning Saturday’s winner will claim the ‘South African leg’ of the series before the rivalry moves to the United States for the fourth and final Test.

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“I think there are many different ways to do it,” van Graan said when quizzed on Erasmus’ method of team naming.

“Fascinating to see what’s going on in South Africa, an amazing series going on there. But from our side, I think the most important thing is whenever you name the team, the players must know what’s going on. So I think crystal-clear communication, and that’s something that we’re very proud of.

“I think it’s brilliant. Two amazing rugby nations playing in a four-Test series. I think the ferocity of it started at Ellis Park, and it’s fascinating to see the ebbs and flows of a game, these mini matches within a match, there have been opportunities just before half-time, and then the scrum has been a big talking point.

“I went to the Bulls-All Blacks game, and that was special a few weeks ago. Every Test match between South Africa and New Zealand in South Africa is a special occasion, and I’m sure this weekend in Soweto will be no different.”