RASSIE BACKS DAVE MOVE
Erasmus: Wessels would be a good fit
MUNSTER’S search for Rassie Erasmus’s replacement has gained momentum. Dave Wessels – who worked as an analyst for the Stormers when Erasmus was coach in 2008 – was yesterday given the thumbs up from the outgoing Reds boss. The 36-year-old South African is the front runner to replace exmunster boss Tony Mcgahan at the Melbourne Rebels, but Erasmus has told Reds chiefs his compatriot would be a good fit for the province. “The guys have asked my opinion about him and that is my involvement. I am not involved further,” said Erasmus. “His name was in the mix in July and there are a few names I saw. I’m not sure how close they are really to finalising that, but he is one of the good options. I know him really well. “There are so many guys who would be good fits because lots of guys want to be at this club. “I can vouch for his character and his work ethic.” Erasmus has already stated he could leave Munster sooner than the original December date announced if his replacement is found. South Africa are due to play Ireland in November, and after the Springboks’ 57-0 hammering against New Zealand at the weekend, Erasmus must be keen to get going with his director of rugby role back home. However, he would not give any analysis of that defeat, only the fifth time in their history that South Africa have been kept scoreless in a Test match. “I didn’t watch the game in detail. We were playing a match four or five hours later,” he said. “The worst thing when you are a coach is for someone else to comment on a performance. “I hate it when you didn’t have a great game and some other coaches are asked to quote on that. I don’t think it is my place to quote. “Obviously it is a disappointing result. The whole of South Africa will be hurting, so will the coaches and the players.” After a tight win over Ospreys at the weekend, Munster claimed top spot in Group A of the Pro14. But this Friday they’ll face their sternest test of the season so far when they travel to Scotstoun to face the other unbeaten team in their pool, Glasgow Warriors. JJ Hanrahan is fit again and could make his second debut for the province after his return from a spell with Northampton Saints, while Duncan Casey and Sam Arnold have also returned to full training.