NZ Rugby World

BEST ACT OF CAREER SALVATION

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When the Springboks came to Wellington they had lost to Argentina at home and Australia away in preceding tests.

They had also lost the third test of the June series to England which meant they had clocked one victory in their last four games.

To go one from five would have seen new coach Rassie Erasmus come under intense pressure just six months into his role, despite the fact he has signed a five-year contract.

And he knew it. “If we do really bad here, then I will probably not be in the seat for the next couple of matches and somebody else will probably be there,” he said.

But of course he mastermind­ed a stunning victory and not only avoided being sacked, but probably bought himself at least a year of goodwill and immunity.

 ??  ?? SAVED THE DAY Rassie Erasmus said he might be axed if the Boks lost to the All Blacks in Wellington.
SAVED THE DAY Rassie Erasmus said he might be axed if the Boks lost to the All Blacks in Wellington.

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