Erasmus confident in squad depth despite Nche injury setback. Image credit: Pan Macmillan
(The Post News) – After South Africa’s convincing 61-7 victory against Japan at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, coach Rassie Erasmus hailed his team’s intensity but warned that the Autumn International match against France the following weekend will be a much more difficult task.
Despite the damp and challenging conditions, the Springboks dominated right away, scoring nine tries and taking a 26-0 halftime lead. Erasmus called the team’s performance “ruthless and disciplined.”
Erasmus told the media, “The players’ mindset toward the match, including their admiration for their rivals and the aggression they showed, impressed me the most. I’m pleased with the force, even though everything wasn’t perfect.”
But the victory has a price. Due to an injury sustained in the first half, prop Ox Nche will miss the remainder of the tour, which consists of games against Wales, Ireland, and Italy. “It’s serious, He won’t play again on this tour because he hurt his knee and ankle in a tackle,” Erasmus affirmed.
Recalling South Africa’s thrilling 29–28 triumph over France in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Erasmus acknowledged that Les Bleus would be keen to get retribution at home.
According to him, “Playing France away is like stepping into a pressure cooker. We comprehend what to expect because many of those guys have spent time there before.” To deal with it this week, it’s essential to be both astute and physically strong.
Erasmus is still optimistic about the squad’s depth despite losing his starting loosehead prop. He stated, “Thomas du Toit returns next week, and Gerhard Steenekamp played really well against Japan.” We may bring up Asenathi Ntlabakanye if another loosehead is hurt. If necessary, Thomas can transition between tighthead and loosehead.
Erasmus emphasized the team’s ongoing development as he wrapped up. “We have depth and background, but competing in France presents a whole other set of difficulties. We must always remind one another that the bar is constantly rising as we continue to build.”
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