Erasmus returns to Springboks as ban ends

Russey Erasmus, South Africa Rugby Director, is ready to return next week

Durban (South Africa) (AFP) – Controversial former Springbok rugby coach Russie Erasmus is likely to return with the team for the year-end tour of the Northern Hemisphere as a lengthy match ban ends.

Erasmus, now South Africa’s rugby manager, has not been able to be with his longtime lieutenant Jack Nyenber, the current coach, since he was suspended by World Rugby in November last year.

The ban ends on September 30th.

World Rugby found Erasmus guilty of six counts of criticizing Australian referee Nick Perry after the first test against British and Irish Lions in July 2021, which included the release of an hour-long video in which he analyzed what he claimed were numerous errors. by Berry.

The ban prevented Erasmus from entering the stadiums or any direct or indirect contact with the coaching staff or players on match days.

Springbok’s last game where the ban was enforced was a massive 38-21 win over Argentina in Durban on Saturday.

The Springboks finished second behind New Zealand in the rugby tournament after failing to secure at least a 39-point winning margin that would have put them ahead of the All Blacks.

The match was marred by six yellow cards and 39 penalty kicks awarded by Australian referee Damon Murphy.

Both Nynaber and captain Sia Kolsi said after the game that they feel the Springboks have made progress during the year but failed to capitalize on many of the opportunities they created.

“We took a huge step forward by winning the third game in a row and we want to take that momentum at the end of the year,” Kolisi said.

South Africa will open the tour with a match against Ireland, currently the world’s number one team, in Dublin on November 5. Second-ranked France will meet in Marseille on November 12 and will play Italy and England over the next two matches. Weekends.

The Ireland tournament will take place on Erasmus’ 50th birthday and his attorney Fricke Erasmus told the Rapport newspaper that returning to matches would be a “relief” for his namesake client.

“He has a unique working relationship between him and Jack. Rassi’s absence has put a lot of pressure on Jack. Rassi has a fundamental influence on the mood and motivation of the players,” said Fricke Erasmus.

Meanwhile, Nyenber said the Springboks came out on Saturday with the intention of overtaking the All Blacks and were on their way when they advanced 17-0 before conceding shortly before halftime.

The coach said that while the Springboks failed in the tournament, they have built depth in their squad as they work to defend the World Cup in France next year.

“We are now in a better position to recognize certain situations than we were when we started,” Nyenber said.