Rassie Erasmus Shares What He Told Springboks at Halftime After Being a Man Down vs France
- Rassie Erasmus has unveiled what he told the Springboks players during their win over France in Paris this weekend
- The South African rugby coach led the Boks to victory over Les Bleus despite playing the second half with a man short
- Springboks produced their best performance in the match in the second period of the game to secure a deserving victory over their host
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has opened up on what he told his team at the halftime break during their 32–17 victory over France at Stade de France on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Source: Getty Images
The South African rugby team had to play the second half with 14 men after losing Lood de Jager to a red card late in the first half.
De Jager's controversial red card late in the first half forced Erasmus to make unexpected tactical adjustments to the lineup, with some of the veterans having to make way after the break.
Erasmus opens up on halftime talk
When asked what he said to the team at halftime after losing De Jager for the remainder of the match, Erasmus explained that he took very little credit for the halftime talk, as most of the planning and guidance came from various coaches across different departments. He emphasised that while some had suggested the players were getting older, their experience made them wiser.
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Erasmus added that the team’s strong desire to win, combined with their prior experience playing in France in 2022 and 2023, as well as the careful planning by both the players and assistant coaches, was key to navigating the challenge.
The Springboks head coach also sent a message to South Africans who took time to watch the team despite the game being played late into the night.
“It was probably close to midnight at home (when the final whistle sounded), so thank you to the people who stayed up and watched the game. We play for them and for South Africa,” Erasmus said.
Siya Kolisi, celebrating his 100th cap with a victory, also took a moment to praise his coach, noting that it was the coach’s 50th game in charge and that he had focused entirely on the team rather than himself.
Source: Getty Images
Kolisi expressed his gratitude, saying the coach’s influence went beyond rugby, shaping the mindset of the team and how they view each other and the country. He added that the players learn a great deal from the coach’s words and sincerely appreciated all that he does for them.
Erasmus will lead South Africa in their next match against Italy as they hope to continue their impressive form till the end of the year.
Erasmus on bold substitution vs France
Briefly News previously reported that Eramus explained the reason behind his bold substitution in South Africa's victory over France.
The Boks manager decided to sub off some of the veterans of the team, including the captain, Siya Kolisi, who was making his 100th Test cap in the match.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
