While the Springboks began their November tour with a show of force against Japan, Rassie Erasmus assured that the duel against the French XV scheduled for next weekend will be far from easy for the reigning world champions.
It’s a meeting that will be closely scrutinized.
Two years after a controversial World Cup quarter-final, the Springboks will meet the French XV next weekend on the pitch at the Stade de France. While the reigning world champions were able to review their fundamentals this Saturday by dominating Japan (61-7) on the Wembley lawn, Rassie Erasmus tried to bring his players back to earth before joining France. “ We know what it’s like to play in France, it’s a real pressure cookersaid the coach of the South African selection in comments collected by the agency Reuters. Most guys have experienced this atmosphere before. We’ll have to be really smart and physical this week to be ready. »
Erasmus: “We are building ourselves”
In addition, Jacques Nienaber’s successor at the head of the Springboks ensures that despite “the depth and experience” of its squad, “it’s a completely different story” to face the XV of France on its lawn. However, it will be an important test as the 2027 edition of the World Cup, hosted in Australia, approaches. “We are in the process of building ourselves, but we must constantly remember that the level of requirements always rises higher “added Rassie Erasmus. If the result was there against the Brave Blossoms during this first outing, the Springboks nevertheless recorded the injury of left pillar Ox Nche.
Erasmus regrets Nche injury
“ It’s quite serious. I don’t think he will play again on this tourregretted the South African coach to the press. It happened during a tackle phase, at the ankle and knee, so unfortunately he is out. » Nevertheless, he assures that he has replacement solutions with Gerhard Steenekamp but also Thomas du Toit, who will be back in time to face the XV of France and who “can alternate between right pillar and left pillar” if this proves necessary. Rassie Erasmus will, however, compensate for all eventualities with reinforcement. “ If another left prop gets injured, we will be in trouble, so we will probably bring in Asenathi Ntlabakanye “, he concluded.
