Rassie Erasmus hits back at coach (with a sweet burn)
Williams has constantly fired criticism at the Springboks, whether it be bad-mouthing the concept of the 'bomb squad', Erasmus' outspoken nature, or some of the modern-day trickery enforced by the world champions.
In the latest clip to come to light, Williams was reviewing the British & Irish Lions' tour to Australia, but randomly decided to talk about the 2021 visit to South Africa.
'The South African tour featured the worst games of international rugby I think I've ever seen. The way that both off-field management teams conducted themselves was disgraceful. Rassie was running on the field as a water carrier.
'They were leaking videos criticising referees, ringing people up. The style of rugby was an abomination… It was not played in a good spirit.'
In typical fashion, Erasmus took to social media to share his response to this latest outburst from Williams.
The Springbok coach pointedly shared a Wikipedia screen shot highlighting how, as coach of Scotland, Williams had only managed three wins in 17 matches, two of which were against then Tier Two nations Japan and Samoa.
With this sweet and subtle 'burn', Erasmus clearly highlighted how the 65-year-old Williams really doesn't have a credible history to be making such judgements on the perennial World Cup winners.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Phillip does his magic with Zedan Johnson
Phillip does his magic with Zedan Johnson A local businessman created some magic recently. Phillip Basson is a renowned business owner who did magic by giving tickets to a nine-year-old boy, Zedan Alias Johnson, to watch the Springboks vs Georgia at the Mbombela Stadium on July 19. He hoped to meet his favourite rugby hero, Cheslin Kolbe, but was happy to meet the Springboks. Zedan's father, Daniel Johnson, and Phillip have been friends for many years and played several games together for the Pumas in their younger days. Philip was playing hooker, and Daniel flanker. Zedan, with his lightning speed, side steps, and magical goose steps like Cheslin Kolbe, stole the show at the 2025 Craven Week in Middelburg. He and his father visited Phillip at his house in eMalahleni to collect his tickets and to say thank you for the generous, magical gift. His last words to Phillip were, 'I know this school field over the road, I scored a lot of tries there – let's go and play.' Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected]
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
DONE DEAL: Stormers pilfer Springbok from Bulls
Springbok prop Wilco Louw will be leaving the Vodacom Bulls to join the Stormers in 2026, according to director of rugby John Dobson. Dobson has confirmed that Louw will return to the Stormers once his current contract with the Vodacom Bulls expires in June 2026. The Springbok prop will become a key piece in the Cape side's future front-row plans, filling the void left by an injured Frans Malherbe. Speaking on The Lekker Rugby Pod , Dobson revealed that the move was agreed during a meeting with Louw in Port Elizabeth. 'Hy's 'n Kaapse kind,' Dobson said. 'This isn't a signing for the 2025-26 season. That's done. But talks began after July 1, when the window opened for players out of contract in 2026.' The Stormers coach made it clear that while Louw remains contracted to the Bulls for another season, the groundwork has been laid for his return to the Cape. 'Bulls fans are safe for now,' Dobson said, 'but this time next year might be a different story.' Louw's decision appears to be motivated by both rugby and personal reasons. A source close to the player told Rapport that returning to the Western Cape makes sense for Louw, who owns a farm in the Cederberg and has family living in the area. 'Nothing is finalised yet,' the source added, 'but if he comes back, it'll be for rugby reasons first.' With the long-term injury to Malherbe and growing interest in several key Stormers players, including Warrick Gelant, Dobson is clearly planning ahead. Louw's return adds significant depth to the squad and signals the franchise's intent to retain top-tier talent while staying competitive in a highly contested market. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Top Springboks to join rugby rebel league?
Where there is smoke, there is usually fire, and there increasingly seems to be more signs that a new R360 global rugby 'rebel' league is gaining traction – and even tempting Springbok stars. The 12-franchise tournament – fuelled by England World Cup winner Mike Tindall, former Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper and the lawyer behind IPL cricket and LIV Golf – is in the pipelines, and could dramatically shake up the rugby calendar from 2026. According to Telegraph Sport , R360 has already secured around 160 men on legally binding pre-contracts, and four high-profile Springboks are reported to have already committed. Now, while it's unlikely that Springbok players in their prime would be lured to such a breakaway league, there is every chance that some veterans could be tempted by a significant payday as they perhaps heads towards a retirement age. When considering the success of T20 cricket leagues around the world, as well as how disruptive LIV Golf has been, the possibility of a rugby 'rebel league' should not be discounted. Think of a player like 33-year-old Faf de Klerk, who has begun to fall by the Springbok wayside, or even Willie le Roux (who turns 36 years old this month), and is probably in his final season with the national side. Backed by private investors, some of whom are reportedly from Saudi Arabia, the league – set to launch in September 2026 – aims to challenge the current professional rugby landscape by offering significantly higher salaries to attract the world's top players. The R360 league is still in the developmental phase, but it has generated significant discussion and concern within the rugby world, with many seeing it as a serious challenge to the sport's established structures. R360 is said to be targeting the top 300 male and female players in the world, with reports of signing bonuses and salaries exceeding £1 million (R23.8m) per season for elite players. The league has reportedly secured 'legally binding pre-contracts' with around 160 men's players, including a number of high-profile international stars and some players from rival codes like rugby league. The league is also apparently well-capitalised for its initial years, with funding from sources in the US, UK, and Saudi Arabia. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
