All Blacks coach: We’ll see if Rassie has rhythm

Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok side currently sit at the top of the Rugby Championship log, but they will now face a massive challenge in the form of back-to-back Tests against the All Blacks.

First up, the Springboks will play New Zealand in Johannesburg this weekend before a ‘rematch’ in Cape Town on 7 September.

It will effectively also see a clash between two of the most highly-regarded coaches in the game, Rassie Erasmus and Scott Robertson.

Both coaches have great respect for each other, and are known for their unique personalities, with Robertson fondly renowned as a celebratory breakdancer with the Crusaders.

During a press conference this week, the All Blacks coach was reminded that perhaps the one thing that Erasmus can’t do, is breakdance. Responding with a smile and a chuckle, he commented: “That’s a good point. We’ll have to see what rhythm he’s got.”

On a more serious note, though, he said there was no doubt that Rassie had set a ‘benchmark’ as a coach.

“We shared a few beers and a few stories after the games over the years. We just have a good little rapport that you’re sort of connected in,” Robertson told reporters on Thursday.

“You watch players go into their coaching after they’ve played and you look to his journey and how he’s got to where he’s got to where he’s got, it’s a pretty remarkable story isn’t it? He won a couple of World Cups… he’s got seven forwards on the bench and it’s awesome.

“He’s one of the benchmarks, yeah, for sure,” he added. “You have all that success, you’ve got to respect that.”

Rassie’s reputation precedes him

Looking ahead to the upcoming blockbuster clashes, Robertson has opened up about what he was expecting.

“They’ve got a clear DNA, South Africa,” Robertson said in assessing his next opponents. “They’ve been pretty innovative and have evolved really well in the last few games, so that’s the exciting part.

“You get to see enough of them in Test footy and you see how [Erasmus’] mind works. He’s pretty special. They’ve got a great group there, so they’re going to be a great Test matches.”

The All Blacks will be touring South Africa for just the third time since Erasmus took charge of the Boks in 2018.

“They’re just a different challenge,” Robertson added. “They’re set-piece orientated, but can get you in some great kick battles and put pressure [on you] in different ways. It’s a little bit different to [playing in] Lautoka [in Fiji] or playing at Suncorp.

“[There’s the] Highveld, there’s conditions, there’s all those factors that come with it. You do miss it, because it’s a different challenge, but it’s an exciting one.”

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