Happy Birthday to Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus!
Today at 05:45 AM
It’s celebration time in the Springbok camp as head coach Rassie Erasmus turns 52 on Tuesday, 5 November.
Erasmus shares his birthday with current Springbok backline star Canan Moodie who turns 22 today.
| Full names: Johan Erasmus |
| Date of birth: 5 November 1972 |
| Place of birth: Despatch |
| School: Despatch |
| Springbok no: 649 |
| Springbok debut province: Cheetahs |
| Physical: 1.90m, 99.8kg |
| Test summary: Tests: 36, Tries: 7 |
| First Test: 5 July 1997 – Flank against British & Irish Lions at Ellis Park, Johannesburg |
| Last Test: 23 June 2001 – Flank against France at Kings Park, Durban |
Rugby World Cup glory
Back in 2018 and 2019, Rassie Erasmus famously served as head coach as he masterminded the Springboks' charge to World Cup glory, while embracing a team mantra of 'Stronger Together' that united the nation.
He subsequently guided the side to success in the British & Irish Lions series in 2021, while continuing to work hand-in-hand with Jacques Nienaber as the team went on to retain the Webb Ellis Cup in historic fashion last year.
Although Erasmus shifted into a role as director of rugby for the previous four years, he remained very much at the helm of the Springboks, and his influence was as instrumental as ever as South Africa became the first team in history to win the Webb Ellis Cup for the fourth time in their history.
With Erasmus resuming duties as head coach until 2027, he oversaw the Springboks recently claiming the Rugby Championship for the first time in a ‘full’ double round format. During this run to the title, the Springboks recorded a historic fourth consecutive win against the All Blacks for the first time in 75 years, and lifted the Freedom Cup for the first time in 15 years.
Springbok ‘genius’ Rassie Erasmus is a one-of-a-kind coach
During his first two years with the 'head coach' title, Erasmus only returned a 65% win ratio over 26 Tests, but far greater context is required considering how he successfully rebuilt the team culture, game-plan and selection policies, while leading South Africa back to the summit of the world rugby rankings.
This season, the Springboks’ eight wins out of 10 Tests with Erasmus back as ‘head coach’ has seen his win percentage increase to 69.4% (in 36 Tests), just behind Nick Mallett.
Mallett of course oversaw a record winning streak during his tenure, while 1995 World Cup-winning coach Kitch Christie had a 100% win record over his 14 Tests.
Perhaps that means Christie will always be regarded as the greatest Springbok coach of all time, but he was only at the helm for a short period, and when the game was still largely amateur.
Erasmus has returned to the role of head coach for the next four years, which would effectively place him in a position to ultimately have served at the helm of the national side for close to a decade by the time he finishes.
Behind the scenes, there can be no doubt that Rassie is a rugby genius, with his meticulous planning and preparation helping to empower a number of new players as the Springboks expanded their depth, while also evolving their style of play.
More success to come
If the 51-year-old can lead the Springboks through a continued period of consistent success over the next four years, enabling the national side to achieve a period of hegemony between – and at – World Cups, his achievements would be unquantifiable.
Not to mention if he leads the Springboks to a hat-trick of World Cup titles… that would be beyond the wildest dreams of anyone, and solidify Johan "Rassie" Erasmus as the greatest Springbok coach of all time.
Who do you think is the greatest Springbok coach of all time?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
