Former Springboks Captain Criticises Rassie Erasmus, Says Fans Value Winning Over Style
- A former Springbok captain has shared his perspective on the balance between results and entertainment in rugby
- He reflected on what South African fans expect when they pay for SuperSport subscriptions or stadium tickets
- While admitting most fans prioritise winning, he highlighted the ongoing debate over whether victory alone is enough
Former Springboks skipper Jean de Villiers has questioned Rassie Erasmus’s tactics, suggesting fans care more about results than attractive rugby.
Speaking on the Off the Ball podcast, the ex-centre with 109 Test caps said the Springboks’ priority should be winning, not necessarily entertaining.
While acknowledging the importance of pleasing supporters, he argued that most South Africans would take victory “even if it’s boring and ugly at times.”
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His comments came after the Boks split their recent clashes with the Wallabies, losing at Ellis Park before bouncing back with a 30-22 win in Cape Town.
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Erasmus admitted after the first defeat that his side “got it wrong last weekend,” explaining that the team had adopted a more attacking approach to please fans.
He added that while the Boks usually thrived in “tough, grinding matches,” they struggled in “open, free-running” games, which may look attractive but often ended in defeat.
Source: Getty Images
What did De Villiers say?
De Villiers countered that results ultimately mattered more than style. He said South African supporters were less concerned with how the Boks played, insisting their main interest was winning.
Watch the clip below:
He also noted that rugby was competing for attention with “other sporting codes and everything else on TV,” and therefore fans expected both entertainment and value when paying for SuperSport subscriptions or stadium tickets.
Take a look at the video below:
Still, he emphasised that the balance was delicate, with the Springboks needing to ensure matches remained enjoyable while keeping in mind that victories are what satisfy supporters.
However, not everyone has shared this perspective. Erasmus, despite being praised as an innovative and intelligent tactician, has faced heavy scrutiny from critics, including former Scotland coach Matt Williams, who has emerged as one of his fiercest opponents.
In a recent interview on the Off the Ball podcast, Williams labelled the 2021 tour to South Africa as “an abomination” and one of the worst international rugby spectacles he had ever witnessed.
He criticised the conduct of both management teams, highlighting Erasmus for taking on-field roles as a water carrier and being linked to a leaked video targeting referees.
Williams also condemned the Springboks’ tactical approach, claiming it relied excessively on kicking and lacked the true spirit of rugby. While he said aggression was acceptable, he argued that the overall style and attitude were nothing short of an abomination.
Former All Blacks star passes away
Briefly News previously reported that former New Zealand rugby player Shane Christie has died at the age of 39. He was found dead in his home in Nelson.
Police confirmed on Wednesday, 27 August, that Christie succumbed to the effects of multiple concussions.
Reports from New Zealand have speculated on his death, with some suggesting he might have committed suicide.
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Source: Briefly News
