Rassie Erasmus’ Remarkable Springbok Journey Reaches a Major Milestone in Baltimore
- Rassie Erasmus is preparing for a landmark night as the Springboks return to action in the United States
- The milestone comes after a remarkable period that has transformed South Africa’s fortunes against New Zealand
- Erasmus has another major objective in Baltimore after South Africa secured the series lead in Johannesburg
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Rassie Erasmus will reach his 100th Test overseeing the Springboks when South Africa face the All Blacks at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
Erasmus has been involved in every Springbok Test since returning to the coaching setup in 2018, although his roles have changed. He has overseen 60 Tests as head coach across his spells from 2018-19 and from 2024 onwards.
However, his tally also includes the period when Jacques Nienaber was head coach. Erasmus served as director of rugby between 2020 and 2023, remaining intimately involved with the Boks as Nienaber took charge of 39 Tests.
That gives Erasmus an overall total of 99 Tests overseeing South Africa, meaning Saturday’s Baltimore clash will bring up his century.
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Erasmus has already broken Jake White’s record
The milestone follows another significant achievement. Earlier this year, Erasmus surpassed Jake White’s record of 54 Tests as Springbok head coach when he took charge of his 55th.
Across his 99 Tests overseeing the Boks, South Africa have recorded 73 wins, one draw and 25 defeats, giving Erasmus a 73.7% winning rate.
His tenure has also coincided with back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023, along with three Rugby Championship titles.
Springboks take 2-1 lead
The milestone follows South Africa’s 29-24 victory over New Zealand in Soweto on 5 September.
The result gave the Boks a 2-1 lead in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Erasmus described the contest as an “epic and intense” battle and stressed how little separated the sides.
The victory also means South Africa can finish the series with another win in Baltimore.
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Erasmus keeps changes to a minimum
Erasmus has selected a largely familiar team for the finale, making only two changes. Damian Willemse returns at fullback for the injured Cheslin Kolbe, while Morne van den Berg starts at scrumhalf.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, have made significant changes, with Richie Mo’unga returning at flyhalf and Codie Taylor taking over as captain.
The Baltimore Test kicks off at 11 pm South African time.
Jake White reveals Dave Rennie’s All Blacks plan
Briefly News previously reported that former Springbok coach Jake White had revealed an aspect of Dave Rennie’s approach that caused concern for South Africa during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
White, who guided the Springboks to the 2007 Rugby World Cup, offered insight into the All Blacks coach’s tactical thinking as New Zealand looked to challenge South Africa’s strengths.
The assessment comes as Rennie prepares his side for the fourth and final Test in Baltimore on Saturday, 12 September.
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Source: Briefly News
