Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks keep redefining excellence despite World Rugby overlooking him for Coach of the Year, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that Erasmus needs no external validation after producing the most dominant two-season run of any Springbok coach, defined by continuity, bold selections and relentless winning.
Over the past two seasons, Erasmus has delivered 22 victories in 26 Tests, with Wales the next hurdle required to sign off for the year with an astonishing 85% return. Include the Barbarians result, and the Boks will stand at 24 wins from 28 outings since lifting the 2023 World Cup in Paris.
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Keohane notes that Erasmus has beaten every major nation away from home, turning an extended squad of players into a hardened group of versatile winners. For Erasmus, the only applause that matters comes from within the change room and from a group of players who continue to flourish regardless of experience.
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The coach’s influence is clearest in the seamless evolution of the side. Saturday’s match falls outside World Rugby’s official window, leaving him without a dozen frontline World Cup winners, yet Keohane stresses the match 23 still has the quality to win a global final.
Only three starters from the 2023 decider run out against Wales, yet every other selection reflects intent, not desperation. Youngsters like Ethan Hooker and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu have been elevated through trust and temperament, while veterans such as Bongi Mbonambi are backed on merit rather than sentiment.
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Erasmus has managed double World Cup winners Handre Pollard and Eben Etzebeth with 2027 in mind, while Cobus Reinach has enjoyed his best Test season by playing the biggest minutes in the toughest games. Grant Williams has thrived in multiple roles, and Erasmus has even left the door open for Faf de Klerk’s return in 2026.
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Keohane argues that Erasmus selects for purpose, not popularity, always thinking beyond a single week’s result. And while Wales will bring fight, he believes they will be outmatched by the world champions, who remain the standard-setters under a coach unmoved by awards but driven by performance.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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