Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has attributed his team's 38-42 loss to Australia on Sunday to their own performance, rather than to any external factors. The match, which took place in Perth, was marked by several interruptions, communication issues, and a chaotic final 10 minutes. Despite these challenges, Erasmus maintained that his team was solely responsible for the outcome. He acknowledged that South Africa had taken a risk by fielding an experimental team.
Erasmus expressed his admiration for the Italian referee, Andrea Piardi, and his team, who handled the technical issues with their communication system effectively. The match officials had to use their cell phones to communicate with each other after their system malfunctioned. Erasmus noted that he had been involved in similar matches before, but he believed that this one was particularly chaotic. He emphasized that the Springboks had control over their performance and that they simply did not play well enough to beat Australia.
The Wallabies had led by 25 points at one stage, and Erasmus acknowledged that his team had put themselves in a difficult position. He took responsibility for the team's mistakes and refused to blame anyone else for the loss. Erasmus also acknowledged that his team had taken a risk by fielding an experimental lineup, which included players who had not played together for long.
Erasmus did not use the team's fatigue after their winning series against New Zealand as an excuse for the loss. He emphasized that the team's bonding and camaraderie were not affected by the loss and that they enjoyed each other's company. Erasmus expressed his disappointment with the loss and acknowledged that the team's supporters would be feeling down.
The Springboks coach reflected on the final moments of the match, where his team had a chance to win. He believed that if they had not lost 30 seconds due to technical issues, they might have succeeded in scoring and winning the match. Erasmus reiterated that his team had no one to blame but themselves for the loss.
Erasmus praised the referee and his team for their professionalism and adaptability in handling the technical issues. He noted that they had done an exceptional job in managing the match despite the challenges. The Springboks coach emphasized that his team would learn from their mistakes and move forward.
The loss was a setback for the Springboks, but Erasmus remained committed to his team's development and growth. He emphasized that they would work hard to improve and come back stronger. The team's supporters would be eagerly awaiting their next match.
Key points
- Rassie Erasmus holds Springboks accountable for loss against Australia
- Erasmus praises referee and team for handling technical issues
- Springboks to work hard to improve and come back stronger
