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International

Potential Rassie Erasmus successor weighs in on latest controversy

Josh Raisey

Published: 2 September 2026 10:05 PDT

Rassie Erasmus, the South Africa head coach, looks on during South Africa Springboks training session held at The Lensbury on October 01, 2025 in Teddington, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

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.

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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.”

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Comments

19 Comments

Kami 45 days ago

I suppose its ok as long as long as you are winning but imagine being selected on a monday but you cannot confirm until you run onto the field 5 days later

Hellhound 44 days ago

Unlike the AB's and other teams, senior players isn't the ones who holds the keys and decide and cost coaches their jobs just because they don't like them or don't get along with them.

In SA, no player is bigger than the team. Everyone knows that. Everyone accepted that long ago. They know not the best players in their positions gets always chosen because it depends on the tactics and team of the day and who will fit that scenario better.

If you don't train on a Monday, you don't play the weekend unless it was injury induced and you can recover before the time. Boks first, then the players and coaches. They have completely bought into the system. That is why Bok rugby is so strong. They are a team on and off the field. They support and help train each other and help new players as they should. This is a country team, not a team ruled by players and even worse management from the top.

You can't make and keep a winning team with grumbling players who hates and use their influence to get coaches sacked. It doesn't matter who you are in the Bok team. You are but a small cog in a much bigger machine that can be replaced. They know it and they all give it their all to stay in the team. One bad game might be your last game for the Boks, especially where the depth is truely very deep in certain positions. One Nation, One team. The Boks. No one and nothing else matters. It's that simple.

GrahamVF 44 days ago

You will be selected as KLA was but will also be told immediately that your selection depends on whether Cheslin Kolbe recovers in time to play. The situation in the SA group is very different - everyone knows exactly what is expected of them from minute to minute and the team is more important that personal feelings - that’s what has made them great.

Adi03 45 days ago

I do agree that players need to know. Squads environments are are highly private. No one knows what its like & if it does come out, it’s likely a decade later.

The best piss-take I’ve heard of Rassie's squad naming is, he should do it at half time😂

Bazzallina 45 days ago

Meh there is no “real” controversy going on and Johann is just answering a question with what matters to a coach not his opinion on the “ controversy “

Hellhound 45 days ago

It doesn't matter when a team is named. That is just an excuse. It doesn't matter who is playing in a team. To be the best, beat whoever is in front of you. Every team is supposed to have their own tactics. Just another excuse to cry about something. Excuses in case of a loss? No one cares about when a team is named but the media. Neither teams nor coaches care about it.

As for Rassies successor, pure click bait or a big hope that Rassie will resign or get fired. In SA, we are behind Rassie. As a matter of fact, we would have him to 2050 if we could. There would be riots if Rassie gets fired or leave. Pure click bait to be of any consequence

Hammer Head 45 days ago

The article was written just for the headline.

OldMcDonald 45 days ago

“Nothing to see here. Move along”

Jonathan 45 days ago

Yes, calling anyone a contender to succeed Rassie, when his contract only expires after RWC 2031, is quite funny

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