Erasmus will stand down as Boks head coach after Yokohama final
Rassie Erasmus has announced that he will step down as South Africa head coach after tomorrow’s World Cup final against England.
Erasmus has held the post since early 2018, while also acting as the nation’s director of rugby, a role he will continue to perform post Japan 2019.
It was speculated that the 47-year-old former Springbok might retain the coaching reins for the Lions tour in two years’ time, but current defence coach Jacques Nienaber is likely to be his successor.
“For me, it’s an emotional one in the sense that I didn’t think 25 Test matches will go that quickly,” Erasmus said.
“The moment you get hands-on with the Springboks again, the adrenaline starts pumping and you get back into the mould and it’s a totally different feeling.
“It’s wonderful to be here. It’s sad that there are only three days left and then it’s all over.
“But I will be heavily involved, hopefully, still after this – whatever way we are going to go with the head coach.”
Star wing Cheslin Kolbe replaces Sbu Nkosi on the right wing after recovering from the ankle injury that forced him to miss the 19-16 last-four victory over Wales in the only change to the starting XV.
The Springboks have remained true to form by naming a six-two split between forwards and backs on the bench, signalling their intent to target England up front.
England coach Eddie Jones, meanwhile, repeated the mantra “no fear” as he named an unchanged starting XV with Ben Spencer replacing hamstring injury victim Willi Heinz the only adjustment to the bench.
A crushing 19-7 victory over New Zealand propelled the new tournament favourites into the final and Jones insists they are undaunted by the challenge of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.
“We know South Africa aren’t going to give us the game, they are going to come hard,” said Jones. “We’ve got to meet their physicality, but we’re looking forward to that and being able to impose our game on them.
“The boys know what’s ahead of them, everyone knows what’s at stake, but because we’ve had such a good preparation we know we can go out there and play without any fear.”