Rassie Erasmus reflects on the convincing start to South Africa’s tour
South Africa’s first fixture of their end-of-year tour produced a performance that left head coach Rassie Erasmus smiling as much at the process as the scoreline. The Springboks’ 61-7 victory over Japan at Wembley Stadium showcased a mix of brutal physicality, relentless intensity, and a clear respect for the opposition—elements Erasmus has been keen to cultivate ahead of a demanding schedule.
What Erasmus didn’t expect
In the aftermath of the match, Erasmus admitted there was one aspect he hadn’t anticipated so emphatically: the sheer scale of the win. While he anticipated a strong performance and a robust forward display, the clinical execution and the points on the board exceeded his expectations. “I didn’t expect a scoreline like this,” he said, acknowledging that the team’s ambition to build momentum on the road was realised in both attack and defence.
Key pillars of the victory
Physicality and intensity stood out from the opening whistle. The Springboks carried pace and power, driving Japan off their own ball and creating pressure that the visitors struggled to relieve. Erasmus highlighted that this level of physicality is not just about hitting hard; it’s about maintaining high-paced, structured aggression across the park—ruck speed, line-speed, and a relentless contest at the breakdown.
Defensive discipline also received praise. The SA defence limited Japan to a handful of chances and repelled multiple attacking phases with gatekeeping tackles and smart reading of playmakers. Erasmus noted that a compact defensive shape, especially under a second-half onslaught, is crucial for ensuring such a scoreline translates into long-term confidence for the squad.
Respect for the opposition remained a talking point for Erasmus. In line with his philosophy, South Africa showed humility in their approach, acknowledging Japan’s resilience and keeping their focus on their own processes rather than chasing personal accolades. This balance, according to the coach, is essential when stepping into test-ready territory and preparing for tougher tests ahead.
What this means for the squad moving forward
With a strong opener under their belt, Erasmus now shifts attention to refining the squad and rotating players to manage workload and exposure. The performance suggests there’s depth in South Africa’s squad and an ability to execute a game plan under pressure. The coaching staff will be mindful of sustainability—keeping players fresh while maintaining intensity—and will likely use the coming fixtures to test combinations and tactical versatility.
In the media briefing, Erasmus stressed the importance of process over result at this stage of the tour. While the scoreboard was emphatic, he emphasized that the work begins anew in training sessions and in the next matchups, where adjustments will be made based on opponent analysis and player workload.
Standout talking points for fans and analysts
Fans will be looking at the influence of the forward pack, which set the tone with dominant carries and effective mauls. Lineout accuracy, scrum pressure, and the speed of decision-making in contact are likely to be scrutinized in post-match reviews. On the backline, the balance of attacking shapes—ball-in-hand creativity paired with patience in breakdowns—will be a focal point as South Africa aims to convert pressure into try-scoring opportunities consistently.
Overall, Erasmus’s comments signal a confident, measured approach. The team’s ability to combine physical dominance with disciplined execution and mutual respect bodes well for the rest of the tour as South Africa chase not just wins, but consistency and cohesion across selections.
Bottom line
The first test of South Africa’s end-of-year schedule delivered a statement performance. Erasmus may not have anticipated the magnitude of the scoreline, but he clearly anticipated the right mix of brutality and control. If this level of performance is sustainable, the Springboks will head into subsequent fixtures with high momentum, clarity of plan, and a renewed belief that their best rugby can travel well—especially at venues like Wembley where the challenge of a long tour awaits.
