Kolisi: Boks ‘excited’ to have Rassie back

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Siya Kolisi says it’s “special” to have Rassie Erasmus back to tell the Springboks what he sees on-field when they take on Ireland in Dublin on Saturday. DYLAN JACK reports.

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The Test between the World Cup holders and the current No 1-ranked team also marks Erasmus’ return to match-day activities.

The Bok director of rugby was handed a lengthy stadium ban in the aftermath of last year’s British & Irish Lions series, excluding him from the team at match-day venues.

Erasmus will be back in the coaches’ box on Saturday, and the Bok captain is delighted.

“It’s really good to have someone like him who has played the game, who can not only advise you in rugby, but also in life as well,” said Kolisi.

“He can see when we are going the wrong way and put us on the right path again. He is somebody who will back you when everybody is against you.

“He sees stuff on the field that we don’t see. It’s important to get those messages immediately, but when he wasn’t with us, it was difficult.

“For me, he is more of a people’s person,” added Kolisi. “He knows how to read the room.

“He knows when we are going off-course or if we are moaning for nothing. He is direct with us as a group and we like that. That experience is going to help us, because it gives us some security, to know that we have an extra eye if we have missed anything. It allows the other coaches to focus on what they have to do.

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“He does far more for us as a group. He knows when players are going through something and gives you comfort when you are going through the toughest of times.

“We are excited to have him back. It’s always been special having him around.”

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Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

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Dylan Jack