Rassie Erasmus Explains Why He Made Tough Substitutions in Springboks’ Win Over France
- Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has explained his decision to make bold calls in terms of substitution in South Africa's win over France
- The South African national team coach decided to take off the captain, Siya Kolisi, despite the match meaning so much to him
- The Boks' mentor's decision on substitution sparked reactions from rugby fans on social media
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has explained why he made bold substitutions during South Africa's remarkable victory over France in Paris on Saturday, 8 November 2025.
Source: Getty Images
The Springbok coach made a complete team reshuffle at half-time to adjust for the loss of Lood de Jager, who had been shown a straight red card by referee Angus Gardner.
The substitutions included Siya Kolisi, who was making his 100th Test cap, alongside other veterans Damian Willemse, Damian de Allende, and Eben Etzebeth, all two-time Rugby World Cup winners, who were taken off to benefit the overall strategy and performance of the team.
The outcome of the substitutions was positive, with Erasmus vindicated by leading the team to victory despite being one man down for the whole second half of the encounter at the Stade de France.
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Erasmus breaks down tough substitution vs France
Erasmus admitted that the decision to replace Kolisi at half-time was one of the toughest he has faced in recent seasons, but he said it reflected the Springboks’ collective mentality. He explained that when Kolisi was informed, he accepted it without complaint, demonstrating the team’s unity and professionalism.
“It was a tough call for the captain, Siya Kolisi, to go off at half-time, but when we told him, he just took it on the chin. That says a lot about this group,” the South African rugby coach said during the post-match interview in Paris.
The change was tactical, as De Jager had been forced off and Andre Esterhuizen, who can cover both centre and back row, was brought on to provide versatility against France’s physical attack.
Erasmus noted that Kolisi’s response exemplified the Springboks' cohesion under his leadership, highlighting how players embraced their roles and made personal sacrifices to ensure the team’s success.
Source: Getty Images
Here is what fans are saying about Erasmus's explanations for subbing off some players at halftime.
Craig Jooste Addy said:
"After the French snub Siya running onto the field by turning the stadium lights off - this is fitting tribute to the greatest rugby captain of all time… GOAT.. 🐐"
Eric Mgebe Jantjies wrote:
"The Springboks decisively dealt with the Franche and the stolen World Cup story is now over..."
Koos Bosman shared:
"Siya is one off my hero's... Proudly South African."
Joe Couvaras commented:
"Well done to the Springboks."
lancefrbro reacted:
"How did we even pull that off with one man down? No one can stop the Springboks at this point. We’re world champs for a reason 😭🇿🇦❤️."
Yo0715 added:
"Although I am Japanese, I am a huge fan of the Springboks. I have been supporting this team for a long time, and this might be the most exhilarated I have ever felt. The Boks' victory, overcoming such adversity, felt as significant as winning back-to-back World Cups."
Kolisi appreciates his biggest supporter
Briefly News earlier reported that Kolisi took time to appreciate his biggest supporter after hitting a new milestone with the Springboks.
The Boks captain led his team to victory against France in Paris this weekend.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
