By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx on the charge against Argentina in London on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus reflected on a stressful but successful Rugby Championship win, praising his team and highlighting there’s still plenty of work to be done.
Boks had to claw their way back from 13-3 down before half time and then hold off a late Pumas surge to clinch a 29-27 win that saw them finish above the All Blacks on points difference.
I’m satisfied with the result and winning the Rugby Championship back-to-back, said Erasmus. “This was a massive game for us, and although it was a far from perfect performance, I would prefer to see us learn while we are winning than losing”
“We are still in a good position for the Rugby World Cup draw, but there is no doubt we have five tough matches ahead, and there is a lot of work ahead for us.
“The reality is that Argentina defeated Australia, New Zealand, and the British & Irish Lions, so we’ll celebrate tonight and take that positive from this match.”
Captain Siya Kolisi echoed the sentiment, revealing that the Boks’ half-time message was about discipline and unity.
“It was simple,” he said. “We needed to play with more unity, make fewer mistakes, and concede fewer penalties. We knew Argentina would come out fighting, so we had to keep going until the end.”
Asked what made this team special, Kolisi said: “We know how to fight as a team and to dig deep, and that’s all thanks to coach Rassie in the way he made us change the way we think.
“This team have done a lot for the country, and I’m proud of the group and the coaches. They always come up with new ideas, and as players, we adapt and accept that.
“This Castle Lager Rugby Championship was tough, and anyone could have won it, so to be able to lift the trophy for the second time in a row is amazing for us and the country, and we are very grateful for all the support from all the fans at the stadium and from our people at home.”
Now the back-to-back world champions will focus on tests against Japan (1 November), France (8 November), Italy (15 November), Ireland (22 November), and Wales (29 November).