{"id":40841,"date":"2026-11-03T18:17:16","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T18:17:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=40841"},"modified":"2026-11-03T18:17:16","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T18:17:16","slug":"rassie-reflects-defeat-is-tough-but-solutions-are-on-the-horizon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/rassie-reflects-defeat-is-tough-but-solutions-are-on-the-horizon\/","title":{"rendered":"Rassie Reflects: Defeat Is Tough, But Solutions Are on the Horizon"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Springboks aim to redeem themselves in the upcoming Rugby Championship Test on Saturday.<\/h2>\n
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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus reported that the team is gradually identifying the issues that contributed to their loss against the Wallabies last weekend, preparing for the critical second Test at the Cape Town Stadium.<\/p>\n

The Springboks suffered a surprising 38-22 defeat at Ellis Park, a match that marked the first time they conceded 38 unanswered points under Erasmus’s leadership, which began in 2018.<\/p>\n

During Tuesday\u2019s team announcement, Erasmus stated they have pinpointed their shortcomings and are diligently working to find solutions ahead of this weekend’s crucial match to regain their footing in the Rugby Championship.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know what we did wrong last weekend, but it\u2019s straightforward to recognize issues. The challenging part is finding a fix. If we had all the answers, it would be ideal. It\u2019s been a while since we last lost, and the game slipped away from us in just seven minutes,\u201d Erasmus explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cExperiencing that feeling isn\u2019t pleasant. However, during our first session on Monday, clarity began to emerge. We also identified issues during our attack practice today (Tuesday).<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we progress through our sessions, solutions are becoming clearer. We allowed things to come too easily in the opening quarter at Ellis Park, and once it deteriorated, we struggled to cope.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Boks, who originally implemented a highly aggressive game strategy in the first Test, appear to be shifting towards a more cautious style<\/a> for the second Test, having named a match 23 rich in experience, alongside a strong \u201cbomb squad\u201d for the second half.<\/p>\n

Players unavailable<\/h3>\n

Unfortunately, this decision means several players initially considered for the match will not take part.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were four individuals who had been included in the internal team announcement last week but lost their spots due to the loss of momentum from that defeat, placing us in a must-win situation,\u201d Erasmus said.<\/p>\n

\u201cKrappie (Morne van den Berg), Ethan (Hooker), Vincent (Koch), and one other player will not participate this week, which is unfortunate, but they all recognize the circumstances. If the team loses and it\u2019s perceived that momentum has been lost, adjustments must be made.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, Erasmus expressed complete confidence in the selected match 23 to perform effectively on Saturday, enabling them to return to winning form and reestablish themselves in the Rugby Championship ahead of an important two-match tour in New Zealand.<\/p>\n

\u201cHopefully, Saturday evening brings smiles. I\u2019m like everyone else; I check social media when we win but steer clear when we lose. Losing is unsettling,\u201d Erasmus shared.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe smile I have now is somewhat sheepish. It\u2019s tough, and we are eager to get it right. We wish we could have played already on Wednesday.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n