Rassie’s enormous task
The Springboks’ chances at the 2019 World Cup will hinge on the changes made to the South African rugby system this season, writes JON CARDINELLI.
Rassie: Boks can turn things around
South African rugby has enough quality players for the Boks to become a force to be reckoned with in time for the 2019 World Cup, according to director of rugby Rassie Erasmus. CRAIG LEWIS reports. Over the past two years, the Boks have suffered historic defeats against the likes of Ireland, Italy, Argentina and New Zealand – not to mention… Read more →
Rassie opens up on Boks
Rassie Erasmus insists that any uncertainty over the Springbok coaching structures will not affect his role as South Africa’s new director of rugby, writes CRAIG LEWIS. There has been an understanding for some time now that the national coaching setup is in line for a shake-up, with the Boks’ loss to Wales in their final Test last year leaving Allister… Read more →
Allister plays the Rassie card
Springbok coach Allister Coetzee says SA Rugby’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus is ‘less competent’ than him. Coetzee made the statement in a letter addressed to SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux, which was leaked to the media over the weekend. In it, Coetzee claimed he was offered a ‘ceremonial role’ as Bok coach for 2018, and would have to report to… Read more →
Allister’s explosive letter leaked
Allister Coetzee says he was offered a ‘ceremonial’ role as Springbok coach in 2018, which would have meant the ‘indignity’ of reporting to Rassie Erasmus. This is revealed in a letter sent from Coetzee to SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux via his legal representatives. SA Rugby has confirmed the authenticity of the letter to TimesLIVE, which is in possession of it…. Read more →
Coetzee fights back
There is apparently a complete ‘breach of trust’ between Allister Coetzee and members of the SA Rugby executive following a sequence of fiery emails. According to Die Burger rugby writer Stephen Nell, Coetzee presented a stern response this past week as he continues to defend his position as Bok coach after a two-year spell that has yielded just 11 wins from… Read more →
SA Rugby negotiates Blitzboks’ release
Rassie Erasmus is negotiating the release of the Blitzboks’ Super Rugby players for the Commonwealth Games in April. The SA Rugby director of rugby has been touring the country to ensure that the sevens players who have Super Rugby contracts will be available for the Games. Seabelo Senatla (Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Lions) and Tim Agaba (Bulls) will key to coach… Read more →
Rassie already taking charge
Although there has been no official confirmation from SA Rugby over the Bok coaching setup, Rassie Erasmus’ work is already well underway, writes CRAIG LEWIS. Around this time last year, SA Rugby conducted a comprehensive review of the Boks’ dismal 2016 season that yielded just four wins from 12 Tests. Despite widespread calls for Allister Coetzee to face the axe,… Read more →
Boks need overseas boost
SA Rugby must review its policy and approach to selecting overseas-based players in order to aid the Springboks’ cause in 2018, writes CRAIG LEWIS. It’s a damning indictment that the Springboks will be forced to press the reset button once again in 2018. After all, it was meant to be so different. When reviewing a 2016 season that yielded just… Read more →
Jones rejects Bok offer
Highly-rated Munster assistant coach Felix Jones has turned down an offer to join Rassie Erasmus’ backroom staff in South Africa. According to the Irish Independent, Erasmus had lined up Jones to join the Boks as a skills coach, but he ultimately decided to continue as Munster’s backs and attack coach. The former Ireland and Munster fullback was originally recommended for… Read more →
