In 2018, Rassie Erasmus was christened the head coach of the Springboks and later transitioned into a director of rugby position after their triumphant victory at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
2023 Rugby World Cup Final Match-up: New Zealand vs. South Africa
Venue: Stade de France, Paris
Date: Saturday, 28 October
Kick-off: 8:00 PM BST
Coverage: Tune into BBC Radio 5 Live for the play-by-play and follow text-based updates on the Sport News Center website and mobile application.
It’s known simply as “the Move.”
From the elevated vantage point of Yokohama Stadium, Rassie Erasmus, covering his mouth with his hand, barked these words into his headset.
Down on the field, the 2019 Rugby World Cup final was 55 minutes deep but nowhere near its conclusion. England had just narrowed the point gap with a penalty from Owen Farrell, making South Africa’s lead a precarious six points.
Cutting through the cacophony, Erasmus’ directive resonated with his team. Malcolm Marx’s line-out throw was a laser into Eben Etzebeth’s awaiting hands, catching England totally unprepared. Damian de Allende and Faf de Klerk orchestrated their plays with the precision of a conductor, while their forward pack set up an eight-man maul that outmaneuvered an unready England defense.
In a nutshell, the Move was a peek into the genius of Erasmus: innovative, instinctual, and phenomenally successful—spiced with a dash of calculated caution.
Funny enough, the move was so hush-hush that Erasmus didn’t dare practice it on an actual field prior to the final. Paranoid about the prying eyes of skyscrapers looming over their training grounds in Yokohama, he resorted to using a software he designed, called Outfox, to allow players to rehearse the play virtually. Their next rehearsal space was a hotel conference room, where beers replaced isotonic drinks. When they executed the Move on the field, it was during the most pivotal game of their careers.
Fan fervor has ignited as a result. At the France 2023 tournament, South African supporters have remixed Ireland’s unofficial anthem, the Cranberries’ “Zombie,” to pay homage to Erasmus, warning rivals that “Rassie is in your head.”
David O’Sullivan, who is penning Erasmus’ autobiography, was blindsided by the actual personality of the man. Far from the outgoing and exuberant person O’Sullivan had envisioned, Erasmus turned out to be a shy, reclusive individual who found social interaction draining. Yet, he couldn’t deny the man’s brilliance and influence on the game of rugby.
Erasmus, who has delved into everything from advanced video analytics to military-grade heart monitoring systems to gain an edge, sometimes toes the line too much. His diatribe against the refereeing in the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour led to his suspension and damaged his reputation. But the missteps have been dwarfed by his success, and his star continues to rise—especially as his team makes its way to another World Cup final.
Back in South Africa, Erasmus’ impact is palpable. Jaco Taute, a former Springbok, observed how the team galvanized the nation. “This group, especially Siya [Kolisi] and Rassie, have invigorated the spirit of South Africa,” he said.
And come Saturday, you can bet Erasmus will be deploying his cerebral acumen, plotting an unexpected twist for the All Blacks in the ultimate match-up.
So, if you ever wondered whether rugby was more brawn than brains, Rassie Erasmus is here to shatter that myth into a thousand pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rassie Erasmus
Who is Rassie Erasmus?
Rassie Erasmus is a South African rugby coach and former player. He became the head coach of the Springboks, South Africa’s national rugby team, in 2018 and transitioned into a director of rugby role after their World Cup win in 2019. He is known for his innovative coaching techniques and has been a pivotal figure in South African rugby.
What is ‘the Move’?
‘The Move’ is a specific play called by Rassie Erasmus during the 2019 Rugby World Cup final against England. This strategy involved a flat, fast line-out throw that led to a successful eight-man maul, catching the England team unprepared and leading to a penalty in South Africa’s favor.
What is the ‘Outfox’ software?
Outfox is a training software created by Erasmus himself. It allows players to run through their required on-pitch movements on a big screen, using individual controllers. The software aims to quickly and effectively imprint a playbook into the players’ minds.
How has Erasmus been controversial?
Erasmus has been a figure of controversy mainly due to his outspoken criticism of referees, most notably his hour-long video critique of referee Nic Berry during the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021. He was suspended from matchdays for a year and banned from all rugby for two months as a result.
What role does emotion play in Erasmus’ coaching style?
While Erasmus is often characterized as a “calculated scientist of rugby,” he is also known for being emotionally intelligent. For example, he was able to galvanize an emotional Munster squad after the sudden death of their head coach, Anthony Foley, and lead them through the rest of the season as a tribute to Foley.
How is Erasmus perceived in South Africa?
In South Africa, Erasmus is generally well-regarded, especially for the way he and team captain Siya Kolisi have fostered national unity. His reputation has been elevated by the team’s run to a second consecutive World Cup final, and he is considered a key figure in galvanizing the South African public around rugby.
What is the significance of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final for Erasmus?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup final is particularly important for Rassie Erasmus as it marks an opportunity for redemption and to solidify his legacy after the controversies and the suspension that tarnished his reputation in 2021. The match against New Zealand is a chance for him to demonstrate his coaching prowess on an international stage once again.
More about Rassie Erasmus
- Rassie Erasmus Profile on ESPN
- Springboks’ 2019 World Cup Win
- Outfox Training Software: A Closer Look
- Erasmus Suspended: The Full Story
- Emotion in Coaching: A Case Study on Rassie Erasmus
- Erasmus and National Unity in South Africa
- 2023 Rugby World Cup: The Ultimate Preview
10 comments
Rassie comes off as an intriguing guy. Not just a coach but a strategist. Love that he’s got his team’s back so strongly.
They’re singing Zombie by the Cranberries for him? Thats kinda epic. Rugby and rock, who’d have thought.
Outfox software, huh? Wonder if that’s gonna be the future of sports training. VR and AR are already making waves, after all.
So he was banned and came back even stronger? Thats like a superhero origin story lol.
Man, this Rassie guy is like the Elon Musk of rugby or what? Innovating and making moves that no one saw comin. Props to him.
He’s not just a coach, he’s like a chess master planning 5 moves ahead. And he doesn’t even practice the moves! That’s just wild.
didn’t know rugby had so much drama lol. Seems like a movie script, really. Could be the next ‘Remember the Titans’ or something.
The article’s deep dive into Erasmus’ psychology is captivating. Makes you realize these sports figures are more complex than the game.
the bit about his sister feeling she’s the only one in Britain not hatin him got to me. Family matters.
“Rassie, they inform their rivals, is in your head.” Ha, reminds me of that scene from Inception. He’s in there, messing with your playbook!