The Springboks are in “a favorable state,” according to South Africa’s head coach, Rassie Erasmus, as they approach the 2027 Rugby World Cup selection process.
This selection event is scheduled for Sydney this December, and the Boks are currently enjoying a prime position, leading the World Rugby Men’s standings.
Erasmus shared his thoughts following his team’s narrow 29-27 victory over Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday. This tense conclusion to the Castle Lager Rugby Championship secured consecutive titles for the Boks, marking a significant achievement.
“I’m pleased with the outcome and securing the Castle Lager Rugby Championship for a second time in a row,” Erasmus expressed. “This match held immense importance for us, and despite the performance being less than flawless, I’d much rather see us learn and improve while winning than while experiencing defeat.”
“We remain in a strong position for the Rugby World Cup selection, but there’s no denying that we have five challenging matches ahead, requiring considerable effort from our side.”
“The fact remains that Argentina has emerged victorious against Australia, New Zealand, and the British & Irish Lions. Thus, we will celebrate this evening and carry forward the positive momentum from this match.”
After trailing 13-3 in the initial half, the Springboks rallied to take a 15-13 lead shortly after halftime, ultimately enduring a fierce comeback attempt by the Pumas in the final moments.
Erasmus acknowledged that the match was as physically demanding as anticipated. “We were aware of the toughness that awaited us, and you could see the players’ fatigue at halftime. Simultaneously, Argentina displayed a strong performance,” he remarked.
In spite of the areas needing improvement, securing consecutive titles signifies another stride forward for South Africa as Erasmus concentrates on refining his team in anticipation of November’s demanding tour. With the World Cup selection on the horizon, he’s maintaining a keen awareness of the broader perspective.
“They engaged in a more open style of play, and we received a yellow card in the first half. There were also a few close calls that could have altered the course of the game. However, they undeniably displayed immense resilience and demonstrated their ability to push boundaries.”
