Since returning as the head coach of the Springboks in 2018, following a period as the director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus has proven to be a game-changer. With a win percentage of 71.79%, his influence on South African rugby goes far beyond statistics. He has not only reshaped the team’s culture, game plan, and selection strategies but also led the Springboks back to the top of the World Rugby rankings, guiding them to back-to-back World Cup victories.
Erasmus’ unique coaching style, his bold decisions, and his exceptional ability to bring the best out of a diverse squad have set him apart as a one-of-a-kind coach. His influence extends globally, with rugby league coach Matty Peet of the Wigan Warriors acknowledging Erasmus as someone he admires for his innovative approach and the way he connects his team with the nation.
“I admire Rassie Erasmus,” Peet shared with Planet Rugby. “I love how he connects the team with the country. He thinks outside the box and does things differently. I really respect his methods, and I like that his team stands for something.”
Looking at the Springboks’ success in 2024, Erasmus continued to lead the team with brilliance:
- World Rugby Ranking: #1
- Tests Played: 13
- Tests Won: 11
- Tests Lost: 2
- Tries Scored: 57
- Tries Conceded: 23 (with three clean sheets against Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland)
- Points Scored: 450
- Points Conceded: 220
- Players Used: 50
- Captains: 4 (Kolisi, Moerat, Du Toit, Etzebeth)
- World Rugby Player of the Year Nominations: 3 (Du Toit, Etzebeth, Kolbe)
- New Caps: 12 (including Jordan Hendrikse, Edwill vd Merwe, and Ben-Jason Dixon)
- Milestone: Vincent Koch and Kwagga Smith both reached their 50th Tests.
Erasmus’ leadership and vision continue to shape the Springboks’ success, making them a force to be reckoned with in world rugby.
