A look at outgoing coach Rassie Erasmus’ record in charge of the Boks after he stepped down to focus on his role as SA Rugby director of rugby.
Having begun his stint as head coach in June 2018, Erasmus was at the helm for 26 Test matches since his first game in charge against Wales in Washington DC.
The Boks ended 2018 with 50% win record, winning seven out of 14 Tests. Erasmus’s tenure began in defeat by Wales, and was followed by a 2-1 home series win over England. In the 2018 Rugby Championship the Boks picked up home victories against Argentina and Australia, as well as that epic away win against the All Blacks in Wellington. Erasmus’ side also lost three games during the Rugby Championship, with two disappointing away defeats in Mendoza and Brisbane followed by a heart-breaking loss to New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld.
During the end-of-year tour the Boks bagged two wins from four encounters. The team suffered a controversial loss to England before a late Bongi Mbonambi try sealed victory against France. They narrowly defeated Scotland at Murrayfield before a second loss to Wales capped the year.
The Boks’ 2019 season was much improved and ended in an 83.3% win record. The team defeated Australia, Argentina (twice), Japan (twice), Canada, Italy, Namibia, Wales and England, with a loss against and drawn Test with arch-rivals New Zealand among their other results. With 10 wins, one draw and one loss the Boks finished their season as the No 1-ranked team in the world. Erasmus also lead the side to an unprecedented double of winning both the Rugby Championship and the World Cup in the same year.
