Erasmus speaks of gap to be closed on All Blacks

While Springbok director of rugby Rassie Eramus is happy with trajectory of his side following their series-securing wins against England, he knows that there is still a large gap to be closed between them and the All Blacks

The Springboks have played, in the last two tests, with an energy and attacking structure that has been lacking in South Africa for many years. They were were clinical when it came to ball in hand and finishing and they exercised strength at the set piece.

Having secured the series and moving from 7th to 5th in the world rankings, Erasmus has confirmed that he will be making “four or five changes” to the side for the final test at Newlands. The willingness to experiment, as was also shown in his selections against the Welsh, is in a greater aim to take a trusted squad of 30 plus to the World Cup, rather than just an experienced starting XV.

While structured approach and an emphasised importance of long term planning – as is the trade mark of the All Blacks – has been a long time coming for SA Rugby, Erasmus feels that they are still far from closing the gap on world rugby’s giants.

“We’re still way off the pace compared to New Zealand and some of the other teams, but we’re slowly getting better,” Erasmus told media in Cape Town on Monday. 

“On the field I think we’ve definitely improved in areas which we thought previously were some of our weaknesses.

“We’re not great yet but I think the kicking game and aerial skills are getting better and, tactically, I think we are more or less getting better with the balance between attack and defence.” – Sport24

Erasmus also spoke of time together as the greatest challenge to the young Bok side.

“I think getting used to one another is probably the thing that takes the longest, because you have to be under different pressures: sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes on the field and sometimes tough times in terms of dropping players and understanding coaches and assistant coaches,”

“In terms of that, I think there is a better understanding of the way we want to work and operate and handle things … everybody is doing their part.”

While the gap is not yet closed on the All Blacks, Erasmus and his side appear to be taking steps in the right direction and clinically approaching the great task of catching up to the number one side in the World. For the first time in a while, Springbok rugby has a clear idea of where they’re heading and how they plan on doing so.