In a dramatic showdown in Paris, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus explained the strategic half-time substitution of captain Siya Kolisi as his team secured a 32-17 victory over France, despite being a man down. The World Cup champions showed resilience and tactical superiority at the Stade de France, overcoming the disadvantage of Lood de Jager's dismissal for a high tackle on France's Thomas Ramos.
The game saw tries from Cobus Reinach, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu propel the Springboks to a notable triumph. Post-match, an elated Erasmus expressed his gratitude, "It was probably close to midnight at home (when the final whistle sounded), so thank you to the people who stayed up and watched the game – we play for them and for South Africa."
"I also want to say thank you to our captain, who was taken off because Andre (Esterhuizen) can play loose forward and centre, which was a tough call. But when I told him, he just took it on the chin and understood."
Erasmus further acknowledged the contributions from the bench, noting, "Boan (Venter) also came off early in the match because he has to get used to the intensity of these matches, although I thought he went really well." He highlighted the seamless integration of the substitutes, "I think the guys who started probably softened up the opposition, and then the bench could go and finish it. Even when Manie (Libbok) came on and Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) went to full-back, I thought everybody had a good impact."
The coach was quick to divert praise to his coaching staff for their role in the win. "I can take very little credit for what was said at half-time because all the coaches of the different departments did most of the talking and made plans," Erasmus reflected. He commended the seasoned squad, "A lot of people said the players are getting older, but they are wiser."
Looking ahead, the Springboks are set to continue their tour with upcoming matches against Italy, Ireland, and Wales. This string of games presents more opportunities for the team to demonstrate their prowess and depth on the international stage.
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In a dramatic showdown in Paris, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus explained the strategic half-time substitution of captain Siya Kolisi as his team secured a 32-17 victory over France, despite being a man down. The World Cup champions showed resilience and tactical superiority at the Stade de France, overcoming the disadvantage of Lood de Jager's dismissal for a high tackle on France's Thomas Ramos.
The game saw tries from Cobus Reinach, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu propel the Springboks to a notable triumph. Post-match, an elated Erasmus expressed his gratitude, "It was probably close to midnight at home (when the final whistle sounded), so thank you to the people who stayed up and watched the game – we play for them and for South Africa."
"I also want to say thank you to our captain, who was taken off because Andre (Esterhuizen) can play loose forward and centre, which was a tough call. But when I told him, he just took it on the chin and understood."
Erasmus further acknowledged the contributions from the bench, noting, "Boan (Venter) also came off early in the match because he has to get used to the intensity of these matches, although I thought he went really well." He highlighted the seamless integration of the substitutes, "I think the guys who started probably softened up the opposition, and then the bench could go and finish it. Even when Manie (Libbok) came on and Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) went to full-back, I thought everybody had a good impact."
The coach was quick to divert praise to his coaching staff for their role in the win. "I can take very little credit for what was said at half-time because all the coaches of the different departments did most of the talking and made plans," Erasmus reflected. He commended the seasoned squad, "A lot of people said the players are getting older, but they are wiser."
Looking ahead, the Springboks are set to continue their tour with upcoming matches against Italy, Ireland, and Wales. This string of games presents more opportunities for the team to demonstrate their prowess and depth on the international stage.