Springbok coach Rachie Erasmus delivered an inspiring “Rachie on Alls” video ahead of the Springboks' opening match against Ireland.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has stirred up a “big match mentality” in one of his players. Lassie on Alls A video clip ahead of the opening match between the Boks and Ireland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon.
In the clip posted to the Springbok X's official account, a relaxed Erasmus is seen recounting his impressions of Ireland when he was Munster coach in 2016.
One of the Munster players at the time, Stephen Fitzgerald, said: Number 42 Erasmus was “the coldest, most self-confident man I ever met”.
'Rassie is all for it': Springbok coach criticised
In the video, Erasmus recalls that the Irish “stuck to my Afrikaans accent when I was there”, adding that he learned “so much” from them during his stay.
But as well as paying tribute to the Irish, the Bok coach is also keen to highlight the arrogance of Irish fans over his team's recent Rugby World Cup triumph.
“Contrary to what most people think, I have nothing bad to say about the Irish. The media loves to hype things up,” Erasmus can be heard saying.
But Rassie also points out that Irish fans can often become “a bit cocky” and “a bit boastful” when the Irish team performs well.
WATCH: Springboks and Ireland – Rachie Erasmus tells the truth…
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Rugby Giants Showdown: Springboks vs Ireland
Ireland are the only team to have beaten the Springboks 13-8 in the pool stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris.
However, Ireland have never won a Test series on South African soil.
The Springboks last beat Ireland in 2016 under former head coach Alistair Coetzee.
Ireland will replace South Africa as the number one ranked team in the world if they win in Pretoria this Saturday afternoon.
- Today's match kicks off at 5pm and will be shown live on SuperSport.
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