Rassie Erasmus Calls 42-38 Loss to Wallabies in Perth a "Valuable Experience"
- Rassie Erasmus has opened up about the Springboks’ dramatic Perth defeat and what the Wallabies clash could mean for the future
- The Springboks faced a difficult night in Australia, with Erasmus now explaining why the Test could prove important ahead of 2027
- Erasmus also addressed a major Springboks decision during the chaotic Perth Test, explaining what prompted the unexpected move
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Rassie Erasmus believes the Springboks gained valuable experience from facing Australia on home soil despite suffering a dramatic 42-38 defeat in Perth on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
The Wallabies built a commanding lead before South Africa mounted a late comeback. Australia were eventually reduced to 11 players, but the Springboks ran out of time.
Speaking after the match, Erasmus said the experience could prove useful if the teams meet again at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“The fact of the matter is that Australia is a good team and they've definitely improved a lot since Les has been there,” Erasmus said, as reported by SABC Sport.
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“They play at home. They’re the World Cup hosts next year. We might strike them in a vital playoff game, and it’s nice to have a taste of them tonight.”
Springboks could meet Australia again
The 2027 Rugby World Cup will be staged in Australia, giving the Wallabies home advantage throughout the tournament.
Erasmus said Sunday's encounter allowed the Springboks to experience the conditions and challenge of playing the hosts away from South Africa.
“So next year when we play them, we’ll know a little bit more about each other,” he said.
“I’m not going to say ‘lessons learned’, but I think what happened tonight was a valuable experience.”
The result also extended Australia’s unbeaten run under coach Les Kiss to five matches.
Source: Twitter
Why Erasmus emptied the Springbok bench
Erasmus also explained his decision to introduce the entire Springbok bench during the second half.
Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Quan Horn were all brought on as South Africa attempted to change the momentum.
Erasmus said the move was not part of the original plan.
“We were reacting to the situation,” he explained.
“We were hoping to get a scrum here and there, but it was like 60 minutes and we didn’t have a scrum on our ball.”
He added that the decision changed after Australia moved 20 points ahead.
“Something has to change the momentum in the game. So, not pre-planned.”
The Springboks now return home with the Perth experience forming another part of their preparation for the 2027 World Cup.
Springboks' depth questions grow after Perth Test
Briefly News previously reported that the Perth defeat has put the spotlight on the gap between the Springboks’ first-choice players and some of their wider squad options.
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaching, the depth question could become an important part of Rassie Erasmus’ planning, particularly with Australia set to host the tournament.
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Source: Briefly News
