South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus lauded the intensity his players showed in their 61-7 demolition of Japan at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, but warned next weekend’s Autumn International series clash with France will be another step up.
The Springboks ran in nine tries as they led 26-0 at halftime in difficult, wet conditions, which made the margin of victory all the more impressive.
The only downside was a first half injury to prop Ox Nche that will see him miss the remainder of the tour, which also includes fixtures against Italy, Ireland and Wales.
“For me, it was about how the players approached the game, the respect they showed and the physicality they brought,” Erasmus told reporters. “Everything wasn’t perfect, but I’m pleased with the intensity.”
South Africa beat France 29-28 in an epic 2023 Rugby World Cup clash in Paris two years ago, and Erasmus knows that will have their opponents fired up for revenge.
“We know what it’s like playing France away, it’s a real pressure cooker. Most of the guys have experienced that atmosphere before. We’ll need to be really intelligent and physical this week to be ready,” he said.
“We’ve got depth and experience, but it’s a totally different ball game going there. We’re building, but we have to keep reminding one another that the bar keeps rising.”
The injury to Nche, which left him on crutches, means Erasmus will be without his first-choice loosehead prop and one of the most devastating scrummagers in world rugby.
“It’s pretty serious,” said Erasmus. “I don’t think he’ll play the rest of this tour. It happened in a tackle situation, his ankle and knee, so unfortunately he’s out.
“We’ve got Gerhard Steenekamp, who played well (against Japan), and Thomas du Toit back next week. But if another loosehead goes down, we’ll be in trouble, so we’ll probably bring in Asenathi Ntlabakanye.
“Thomas can swing between tighthead and loosehead for us if needed.”
