Rassie Erasmus hit back at Ian Foster after the All Blacks coach threw a bit of thinly-veiled criticism at the ‘stop-start’ Rugby World Cup clash between the Springboks and Ireland.

Speaking after the All Blacks scored 14 tries to demolish Italy and earn a crucial bonus-point victory, Foster implied that fans would much rather watch an open game with plenty of tries, than a high-intensity, gritty match between two of international rugby’s best teams.

The big Pool B clash between world number one Ireland and the defending world champions saw just one try scored apiece, as the Irish fought to a 13-8 victory.

“If you look at the South Africa-Ireland game, it was a different game of rugby,” Foster said.

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After a video of Foster’s post-match comments were posted on social media, Bok director of rugby Erasmus took the opportunity to respond on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

“Ian always a straight shooter and says it as it is! Have respect for him since he coached the Chiefs,” Erasmus posted.

“But I think two minutes more ball in play and a epic battle between Ireland and the Boks is the game I would rather watch! (while saying that, your boys were crisp and clinical).”

Erasmus included two statistical graphics in his post, highlighting the one-sided nature of New Zealand’s victory over Italy, compared to the closely-fought battle between the Boks and Ireland.

Ian always a straight shooter and say it as it is! Have respect for him since he coached the Chiefs!! But I think 2 min more ball in play and a epic battle between Ireland and Boks is the game I would rather watch !! ( while saying that your boys were crisp and clinical 🤝) https://t.co/qeo7M4y5nv pic.twitter.com/nB2wzAWSZC

— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) September 30, 2023

Well I’ll tell you what Ian Foster, I think neutrals would pick the SA v Ireland game 10/10 over watching clubbing baby seals. pic.twitter.com/2UiEGoYdXs

— A-P 🇪🇺 (@rugby_ap) September 30, 2023