We have to be much better against France and Ireland – Bok boss Rassie Erasmus
The Springboks are targeting an improved, full 80 minute performance, when they take on France and Ireland over the next two weeks.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus expressed the need for his team to improve against France and Ireland during their Nations Championship end-of-year tour. After a powerful 66-7 victory over Italy, the Boks face France in Saint Denis and Ireland in Dublin, their final two pool stage matches. The Boks will also participate in the Finals Weekend at Twickenham at the end of the month.
Erasmus noted that the team's performance in the 80 minutes must surpass the one against Italy, who ranked 11th at the time. Despite a commanding 45-0 lead in the first 32 minutes, the Boks conceded 7-7 with France before securing two more points in the final eight minutes for a 45-7 win.
Erasmus acknowledged that the team's perfect execution wasn't flawless but expressed satisfaction with their cohesion and understanding of the system. He emphasized that the players were calm, confident, and ready to compete. However, Erasmus stressed that the team must perform better against France and Ireland. He also commended the Boks' discipline, conceding few penalties and yellow cards.
After a brief stint from the squad last year, which resulted in red cards against Italy and France, Erasmus hoped for similar discipline against France, especially after their red card controversy last season.
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