On the Verdict podcast, Schalk Burger, Jean de Villiers and Hanyani Shimange broke down Scotland's opening try in Pretoria — a slick quick-tap maul move finished by Matt Fagerson — and Burger's verdict was pointed: Scotland had essentially used Erasmus's own playbook against him. De Villiers noted the deliberate use of a back in the first pod to open up the forward pack before the maul was set, and Burger credited Scotland's carries and their ability to stay up under pressure from Paul de Villiers and Evan Roos. The broader concern, though, was the Springbok defence — close to 50 missed tackles from nearly 200 attempts, and a defensive line that was too upright and unset when Scotland attacked near the line. Burger's point is that a sharp Bok defence should have been in an NFL-ready position before the play developed, and they weren't.
Scotland did a Rassie on Rassie — and Burger says the Boks' defence was exposed
Burger, Jean de Villiers and Shimange praised Scotland's quick-tap maul try in Pretoria as a deliberate tactical steal from the Bok playbook, while Burger also raised serious concerns about South Africa's defensive shape — nearly 50 missed tackles and a line that was caught flat-footed at the critical moment.
- Scotland
- Rassie Erasmus
- Springboks
- Evan Roos
- Loftus Versfeld
Papier earns first Springbok start in eight years against Scotland
Embrose Papier earns his eighth Springbok cap and first start in eight years against Scotland, rewarded for a standout Bulls season that saw him score nine tries.
Nché injury concern headlining Bok casualty list ahead of Scotland clash at Loftus
Rassie Erasmus is sweating over the fitness of Ox Nché, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and André Esterhuizen ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship match against Scotland at Loftus, after all four picked up injuries during or before the 45-21 win over England at Ellis Park.
So how deep is the Springbok squad?
Lekker! Hola! Head to https://squarespace.com/squidgerugby to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code SQUIDGERUGBY
Rassie on Alles Ep 1 | The Barbarians in the Bay
The #Springboks kick off their season against the Barbarians in Gqeberha, a place close to the hearts of Rassie Erasmus, Mzwandile Stick, and Deon Davids. The three Bok coaches discuss why it's special to return to the Eastern Cape and what
Springboks Through Irish Eyes: Gráinne Seoige on Loftus, Rassie, and Why SA Rugby Is Unlike Anything Else
Irish TV personality Gráinne Seoige tells the Lekker Rugby Pod that walking into Loftus for the 2024 Ireland test was the most intimidating rugby atmosphere she has ever experienced, and argues that Rassie Erasmus's cultural transformation of Springbok rugby is a bigger achievement than the World Cup wins.