Rassie erasmus
May be unsafe for Springboks to play, warns Erasmus
The world champions are scheduled to play two matches each against Argentina, hosts Australia, and fierce rivals New Zealand between 7 November and 12 December.
Nienaber was the defence coach of the Springboks when they won the World Cup a record-equalling third time last November by defeating England 32-12 in the final in Yokohama.
EWN Sports Editor Adrian Ephraim reflects on the sports stories that impacted us the most this year.
The Springboks wrapped up their Eastern Cape Rugby World Cup tour in the windy city of Port Elizabeth where fans came out to support the 2019 World Cup winners.
The team made its way through Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu-Natal the Eastern Cape and will be in Cape Town on Monday.
It was a celebratory atmosphere as Rassie Erasmus, Siya Kolisi and the rest of the team touched down at the OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi spoke to the media at OR Tambo International Airport after arriving from Japan, where the SA rugby team won the world cup. Here are his top quotes.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi said coach Rassie Erasmus motivated them throughout the tournament and the support from South Africans fuelled their drive.
By Dr Jack & Curtis.
Siya Kolisi has become the first black captain to lead South Africa to a World Cup victory.
The Springboks battered England 32-12 in a one-sided final in Yokohama, adding to their 1995 and 2007 titles and becoming the first team to lift the Webb Ellis Cup after losing a pool game.
Fortunately for South African rugby as a whole, he will remain in his position as director of rugby, which will allow him to oversee other forms of the country’s rugby.
Erasmus took over as director of rugby at the end of 2017 and shortly afterwards doubled his responsibilities by taking over as head coach following the sacking of Allister Coetzee after 12 losses from 25 games over two seasons.
The 26-year-old has been one of the standout players for South Africa so far in the tournament but was forced off the field with an ankle injury during the Springboks' win over Italy.
The Springboks secured their place in the finals on Sunday after their 19-16 victory against Wales. The team is now set to face England on Saturday at 11 am.
Wales coach Warren Gatland said he believed South Africa could beat England in the final, although he added that they might need to be more expansive.
Bongi Mbonambi has credited coach Rassie Erasmus for the Springboks' turnaround in performances.
Despite dominating possession and playing their characteristic high tempo style, Japan was not able to breakdown the Springbok defence and was restricted to scoring just a single penalty.
Rassie Erasmus, South Africa’s director of rugby, said that he expected to have a full squad from which to choose.