Erasmus Celebrates 100th Test with Historic US Victory

South Africa’s Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, celebrated his 100th Test in charge by guiding the Springboks to an emphatic 43-28 victory over the All Blacks in Baltimore, securing the inaugural Greatest Rivalry series 3-1.

This win, played before a record US rugby crowd, dramatically contrasts with Erasmus’s first Test at the helm in 2018, which also took place on American soil against Wales.

Erasmus's Centenary Mark in the US

The Baltimore fixture on Saturday marked Erasmus’s 100th Test, a significant milestone that brought him back to where his coaching tenure with South Africa began with a match nobody wanted to see eight years prior.

In 2018, that initial match in Washington D.C. against Wales saw Erasmus cap 13 new Springboks but drew a modest crowd of just over 21,000 spectators. Wales, without many of their British and Irish Lions, still managed to win 22-20. Erasmus later described that first US visit as "awful."

Now, less than 35 miles from that original venue, the Springboks defeated New Zealand, with Erasmus stating that this latest triumph "makes up in a big way for that" earlier experience. The current team features several survivors from that 2018 loss, including Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jesse Kriel, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Thomas du Toit, and Andre Esterhuizen.

Record Crowd and Ranking Ascent

The 68,173 attendees at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore established a new record for a rugby match in the United States, witnessing the Springboks beat the second-ranked All Blacks for the third consecutive week. This significant turnout underscores the Springboks’ current status as rugby’s hottest ticket.

Following this decisive 43-28 win in Baltimore, South Africa has pulled further clear at the top of the rankings, according to RugbyPass. This success follows a period of sustained dominance, including back-to-back World Cup triumphs and successive Rugby Championship titles.

Reflecting on Transformation and Future Focus

Speaking after the match, with Siya Kolisi having just lifted the trophy, Erasmus reflected on the dramatic shift in the team’s fortunes since 2018. He acknowledged the stark difference in the team's current standing compared to his early days.

However, both Erasmus and Kolisi stressed that past achievements do not guarantee future success, especially with a World Cup approaching next year. Kolisi emphasized the need for continuous improvement, stating, "We cannot be satisfied with staying the same… everyone is going to catch up with us."

Erasmus concurred, illustrating the narrow margin between South Africa and New Zealand by indicating a tiny gap with his fingers. This perspective highlights a continued drive for excellence despite their current top position in international rugby news.

Expanding Depth and Global Reach

Since the 2018 loss to Wales, Erasmus has presided over 74 Test wins, one draw, and only 24 defeats, keeping South Africa on an upward trajectory in his third World Cup cycle. The Springboks have won 43 of their last 50 Tests, securing victories not only at home but also across Europe (London, Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh, Genoa, Turin), Australia (Brisbane, Perth), New Zealand (Wellington), and both North and South America (Baltimore, Buenos Aires).

Erasmus has also focused on expanding the team's playing base, a strategy that has proven highly successful. This depth was evident in their recent dominant performance. For a deeper look into the team's strategy, readers can revisit how Erasmus Explains Late Springboks Assembly for Wales Test in previous coverage. The team's evolution under Erasmus provides a fascinating parallel to how other national teams, such as those discussed when Sean Fitzpatrick reflects on All Blacks Anthem Moment with Savea, navigate their own periods of change and success.