Springboks 20% off their mark despite Rugby Championship win – Erasmus

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus believes that his side is still 20% off their benchmark going into the 2019 Rugby World Cup despite winning The Rugby Championships.

South Africa arrived on Monday morning from Argentina following their convincing 46-13 victory over the Pumas to finish the shortened competition unbeaten after beating Australia and drawing with New Zealand in Wellington.

Erasmus says credit needs to go to his players for the way they have taken to the team’s plans and style of play.

The former Springbok, Erasmus, reiterates that winning the trophy was always the plan but it is what is more pleasing is the manner in which they have done it.

The Springboks next play Argentina again in their first of two official World Cup warm-up matches this weekend at Loftus Versfeld before taking on Japan next month, two weeks before the start of the showpiece.

Erasmus says they will be using this weekend to finalise the rest of their World Cup squad.

Erasmus also confirmed that Boks captain Siya Kolisi will feature this weekend against the Pumas after successfully running out for Western Province in their Currie Cup clash this past weekend.

Asked what has been the recipe for their recent success, Erasmus says they have empowered the players by involving them in the template of their style of play. – Report by Thando Gqamane