BOKS TO GO FOR JUGULAR
FINAL TEST: ERASMUS VOWS TO TWIST THE KNIFE IN NEWLANDS CRUNCH
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is not content with just a series win – he wants to rub the salt in the England wounds in Cape Town on Saturday.
The Boks wrapped up the series with a 23-12 win in freezing conditions on Saturday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The win also saw them rise from No 7 to No 5 in the world rankings, leap-frogging England, who drop from No 4 to No 6.
“It was nice to be able to wrap up the series, but we are hoping to make it 3-0,” said Erasmus.
“We now have the opportunity to put different guys under different pressures and in different circumstances.”
Erasmus said to be down early again like in the first Test at Ellis Park tested the team’s character.
“To be down 12 points wasn’t great but it’s better than trailing by 24, but I think we got our composure back quicker than in the first Test.
“The guys realised where the mistakes were and I thought the character of the guys was great.” he added.
Even though the Test series is lost for England, coach Eddie Jones said there’s a lot to play for at Newlands. He has now lost his last six matches in charge.
“This weekend will be all about getting the pride back. Whenever SA play England it’s always tough games,” said Jones.
“It’s a tough period for us, nobody wants to lose five Test matches in a row, but what Rassie has got right is consistency in team selection and they are busy building continuity.”
Erasmus lauded the Boks’ sixth Test centurion Beast Mtawarira as well as No 8 Duane Vermeulen for his Man-of-the-Match performance.
“I don’t know about a lot of guys, whether it is Super Rugby or in Tests, who has been on the winning side in their 100th game, so well done to him,” he said.
The coach said he always thought Vermeulen would bring experience, being involved in the northern hemisphere.
“But what Duane has brought is that he plays very accurate rugby. He is fit, he is sharp, he runs great lines and is a great defender.
“I know him and Siya (Kolisi) work closely with the other guys on decision-making and the gameplan. We are very blessed to have a player who is phenomenal and also very committed.
“We will try a few things in the last Test without making that Test less important, but while we are winning we’ll also try to build some depth and experience.”
Big Springbok No 8 in unstoppable mood as Rassie Erasmus’ men put their bodies on the line to clinch the series against England in a performance that augurs well for the future.