Rassie Erasmus trades barbs with critic
The South African director of rugby took to social media in response to Ger Gilroy's dig at him.
South African director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has hit back at Ger Gilroy after the Irish radio host took a dig at him for his comments on the pressure being on Ireland to beat Scotland.
The Springboks currently top world cup Pool B after claiming a bonus-point win over Tonga in their final pool fixture on Sunday.
Having already played all four of their pool fixtures, the Boks will watch from the sidelines as Scotland and Ireland face off in the decisive match in Paris on Saturday.
Either of the two Six Nations teams could fall out at the pool stages, while South Africa will only get knocked out if there is a freak result from the match.
“There is no arrogance saying this, but I’d rather sit here than be Ireland,” he said. “Knowing that [Ireland has] been No 1 in the world all the time and Scotland basically just have to beat them by eight points and they are out of the tournament.”
Listen: Relax, Boks are safe
Speaking on the latest episode of Off the Ball Breakfast, Gilroy slagged off on Erasmus’ quotes while reading from an Irish newspaper and giving an hilarious imitation of the former Bok coach.
“‘I wouldn’t like to be in Ireland’s position – Erasmus’. Oh, wouldn’t you, Rassie? You wouldn’t like to be in our position,” he said. “I wouldn’t like to be in your position either. It’s OK. How’s the braai?
“‘With full humbleness [Erasmus is quoted in the article saying at a presser]’ … well. You can discount anything he says after that.
“In fairness I know exactly what he is doing, ‘I realise I come across as the most arrogant man, but I’ve parked my arrogance’.
“You could’ve just beat us by eight points if you wanted to and denied us a losing bonus point and made us all very worried about what the future holds. But you couldn’t do it could you, Rassie? ‘Oh no, I’ve got to show the world my giant rugby brain’.”
Erasmus then took to social media in response.
🤭 This man is so funny, how does he do that voice ? Top entertainment 🤡 https://t.co/Dc1dbYgr1x pic.twitter.com/bwyG5KNuuh
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) October 3, 2023
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