Springboks stalwart Eben Etzebeth has thrown the spotlight on head coach Rassie Erasmus, crediting him for masterfully maintaining team unity amid frequent squad rotations. In 2025, a striking total of 47 players have donned the green and gold, with 45 stepping onto the Test match stage. Etzebeth anticipates this pattern will hold as the team prepares for an arduous end-of-year tour, facing off against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales.
At the launch of his autobiography "Unlocked" at the N1 City Mall, Etzebeth shared insights into the internal workings under Erasmus's leadership. "Rassie deserves a lot of credit for the way he keeps the team together and engaged. How everyone gets a chance to play and everyone knows they’ll get an opportunity on tour whether it’s against Japan, France, Italy or Wales," he stated, underscoring the inclusive strategy that Erasmus employs to foster team spirit.
"The way Rassie and his coaching team keeps the team’s psyche together is incredible."
Despite their recent successes, including defending multiple titles and achieving back-to-back Rugby Championship wins, Etzebeth revealed a unique relationship between the team and their supporters. The connection is so profound that the intensity of fan reactions, both positive and negative, is something the team actually desires. "Every individual has their own personal drive, whether it be getting to 100 Test caps, or to provide for their family. We all come from different backgrounds," Etzebeth explained. He added that the fervent support from home is unlike any other, with fans' passionate responses acting as both a motivator and a barometer of their performance.
"It’s support that others don’t get in their countries, rugby is almost like another religion in South Africa, and when we don’t do well, people are angry with us, and we want it that way too."
This year, the Springboks have more reasons for cheers, thanks to a record 43-10 thrashing of the All Blacks, marking their rivals' biggest ever defeat in the history of their confrontations. As the team gears up for their upcoming matches, the blend of seasoned strategies by Erasmus and the unyielding support from their fans back home continues to be their winning formula.
Upcoming matches: Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, Wales.
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Springboks stalwart Eben Etzebeth has thrown the spotlight on head coach Rassie Erasmus, crediting him for masterfully maintaining team unity amid frequent squad rotations. In 2025, a striking total of 47 players have donned the green and gold, with 45 stepping onto the Test match stage. Etzebeth anticipates this pattern will hold as the team prepares for an arduous end-of-year tour, facing off against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales.
At the launch of his autobiography "Unlocked" at the N1 City Mall, Etzebeth shared insights into the internal workings under Erasmus's leadership. "Rassie deserves a lot of credit for the way he keeps the team together and engaged. How everyone gets a chance to play and everyone knows they’ll get an opportunity on tour whether it’s against Japan, France, Italy or Wales," he stated, underscoring the inclusive strategy that Erasmus employs to foster team spirit.
"The way Rassie and his coaching team keeps the team’s psyche together is incredible."
Despite their recent successes, including defending multiple titles and achieving back-to-back Rugby Championship wins, Etzebeth revealed a unique relationship between the team and their supporters. The connection is so profound that the intensity of fan reactions, both positive and negative, is something the team actually desires. "Every individual has their own personal drive, whether it be getting to 100 Test caps, or to provide for their family. We all come from different backgrounds," Etzebeth explained. He added that the fervent support from home is unlike any other, with fans' passionate responses acting as both a motivator and a barometer of their performance.
"It’s support that others don’t get in their countries, rugby is almost like another religion in South Africa, and when we don’t do well, people are angry with us, and we want it that way too."
This year, the Springboks have more reasons for cheers, thanks to a record 43-10 thrashing of the All Blacks, marking their rivals' biggest ever defeat in the history of their confrontations. As the team gears up for their upcoming matches, the blend of seasoned strategies by Erasmus and the unyielding support from their fans back home continues to be their winning formula.
Upcoming matches: Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, Wales.