South Africa vs France rugby Championship Rassie Erasmus press conference, Digi Mart USA News: South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus gave his only press conference before Saturday’s Nations Championship match against the French national team, the XV de France. He said he enjoys facing a side that plays physically, like his own team.
Erasmus, whose team is the reigning double world champion, recalled several difficult encounters in France, including a 30-26 defeat in Marseille in 2022, two matches at the Stade de France (29-28 and 32-17), and a World Cup quarter-final. He said he was impressed by the atmosphere created by French supporters and stadiums.
He acknowledged that every match against France has been tight, noting that in most of them South Africa trailed around the 60th minute before finishing stronger. He added that the Springboks have won nine of their last ten matches.
Asked whether his team were favorites despite France being heavily weakened by injuries, Erasmus listed several absent South African players, including Frans Malherbe, RG Snyman, Eben Etzebeth, Kwagga Smith, Andre Esterhuizen, Handre Pollard and Cheslin Kolbe. “Who is diminished?” he asked, while conceding that having some players in the URC and Japan helps with squad management.
Erasmus said he does not see much value in being labeled favorites, warning that believing you are the favorite can breed complacency. “We will absolutely not show arrogance for this match,” he said.
