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Rassie Erasmus urged to switch Test allegience after World Cup win
By Ian Cameron
Double Rugby World Cup winning Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has been called upon to switch allegiance following South Africa’s thrilling victory in the Rugby World Cup final in Paris.
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New Zealand captain Sam Cane became the first player to be sent off in a World Cup final as South Africa retained their title with a nail-biting 12-11 victory at Stade de France.
Cane was shown a red card for in the 28th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jesse Kriel but the All Blacks responded with character and resilience to take the champions to the wire on a wet Paris night.
Beauden Barrett ran in the first try ever scored against South Africa in a World Cup final as the final quarter approached but, with Richie Mo’unga unable to add the conversion, New Zealand still trailed.
Jordie Barrett then missed a tricky long-range penalty that would have toppled the Springboks and despite furious late attempts to strike from long range they were unable to break through the green wall.
Handre Pollard kicked four first-half penalties but South Africa failed to score again after the interval of one of the greatest finals that ended with the 80,000 crowd on their feet in nervous anticipation.
The victory means South Africa are the most successful nation in men’s World Cup history with their fourth crown nudging them clear of the All Blacks.
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Now DoR Erasmus has been called upon to lend a hand in righting England. “Hey Rassie, congrats and all that but what are your plans now? Fancy leading England please?’
Hey @RassieRugby congrats and all that but what are your plans now? Fancy leading @EnglandRugby please?!
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) October 28, 2023
Signs are that with head coach Jacques Nienaber heading to Leinster, Erasmus will stay to guide the Springboks for the time being at least. Erasmus finding a new gig with England isn’t so far fetched though, as his assistant coach Felix Jones is already on his way north after the World Cup.
As regards to social media, Erasmus – who has changed his picture to that of Agustin Pichot for some reason – took the time following the Boks’ win to direct a Tweet at RugbyPass writer Ben Smith, who’s become a regular sparring partner.
Sleep lekka sheep ?????? https://t.co/2pwvp7pzXo pic.twitter.com/mxDDVxgjUh
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) October 28, 2023
additional reporting PA
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I see more chance of Rassie getting involved at World Rugby than coaching another International team.
Rassie is my hero and I shall not be moved 🎶
England's grassroots is the problem. It is an elitist sport that the working class don’t participate in.
Curgently only Grammar, Private and a select few comprehensives (usually in wealthy areas) have rugby teams. The club links are with these schools and I don’t see signs of any grassroots development. Any engagement with clubs is at a hefty fee-minimum of £50 pd and £200pw for holiday clubs thereby excluding the working class. Very little effort has been made by clubs to develop teams at ordinary primary schools.
I am a parent involved at club level and can only afford to offer my son the basic 2 hour per week for the season.
Pounds ? One more world cup 🥤
Rassie bleeds bokke…no ways
There’s no fixing English Rugby, it’s still got way too many Englishmen in it
Lekke Rassie, please stay, we have and Irish incoming tour. We need to take care of the Zombies on home soil. Dankie!
How to fix English rugby:
1) lose the arrogance - when you lose, fix the problems and more on
2) develop at least 1/2 attacking flyhalfs - give Finn an OBE maybe?
3) Keep your tight 5 beefy and get your backrow faster - think Earl not Ludlum
4) lose Faz as in right now - he has peaked and we all need to accept that
5) Felix Jones is a great hire - now fix the offense
6) be cold-blooded on selection (aka RSA)
Congrats to Ben( and Nigel) for all their predictions and how accurate they were. Well done.
England should stop looking abroad for answers and rather support local. They also need to develop their style and ambition and stop playing their typical cynical style, perfected by Itoje.