Dallaglio lauds 'naughty' Rassie's big calls

02/14/2025 02:57 AM

Former England skipper Lawrence Dallaglio has raised an eyebrow at Rassie Erasmus' "provocative" nature but respects the Springbok boss' willingness to make bold decisions.

Erasmus has received widespread acclaim for masterminding the Boks' 2019 and 2023 World Cup title wins, as well as a British & Irish Lions series win and multiple Rugby Championship crowns.

Known for his innovative methods like the Bomb Squad and using disco lights for on-field communication, the former loose forward has also courted controversy with his use of social media and a World Rugby ban following his critical video during the 2021 Lions series.

“Yeah, he's a bit naughty, but no one challenges him. He's naughty, he's quite provocative,” Dallaglio said on the Stick to Football podcast..

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The 88-Test back-row bruiser, though, admires Erasmus' tactical acumen. “He's also quite clever – he's coming up with different things.”

Dallaglio believes Erasmus' readiness to make tough calls was evident during the 2023 World Cup semi-final against England. “His flyhalf [Manie Libbok] missed a kick in the World Cup and he went 'off you come' and he brought on Handre Pollard, who ended up staying in the team for the rest of the tournament,' he said.

"You've got to make the big calls.”

Dallaglio also notes that South Africa's uncompromising style makes them the toughest team in world rugby. Asked who is "nastier" between the Boks and the All Blacks, he didn't hesitate. “The South Africans. They're the biggest, hardest people you've ever seen in your life.

“I turned up on an aeroplane, I was 20 years old and flew to South Africa to play on tour with England. I got off the aeroplane and went, 'I need to eat more.' I've never seen people so big.”

Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images

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