Rassie Erasmus Apologizes to South Africa After Springboks’ Defeat
Rassie Erasmus has issued an apology after admitting that the Springboks had “disappointed” South Africa with their performance on Saturday.
The Springboks have been consistently strong over the past few seasons, but two defeats to Ireland in the last 12 months have stung, and coach Rassie Erasmus hasn’t taken it lightly.
Saturday’s one-point defeat in Durban has again raised questions about why Ireland seems to be a bit of a hoodoo team for the Springboks. However, it’s important to note that the team is experimenting with some attacking expansion at the start of a new World Cup cycle.
This means that some mixed results may have to be accepted this year. Nonetheless, Rassie Erasmus took to social media on Sunday to apologize for the disappointing defeat.
“Congrats @IrishRugby on a great and gutsy performance. You deserved that win! We are sorry and know we disappointed you, South Africa,” he posted. “Thanks for all the support and please know that we feel and appreciate all of you!”
Rassie Erasmus Has Insisted the Springboks Need to Keep Evolving
“We’re definitely a team that is trying new things, and I think this is the time to try new things,” stated Erasmus on the eve of the Durban Test.
“We didn’t have the opportunity in 2020, as I’ve said many times. We’re not just trying to do it on attack. We’re trying to do it on defense, in our scrums and lineouts, at the breakdown… different things that we’re trying to stay with the law changes and the way World Rugby wants the game to go.
“If we don’t adapt, we’ll die a slow death… We have to adapt and whilst doing that, we will make mistakes.”
The Springboks will now look to bounce back when they face Portugal in a one-off Test this Saturday.
