Rassie: It’s good to be back!

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Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that he will be in the coaches’ box while also dismissing concerns over a potential kit clash in Saturday’s Test between the Springboks and Ireland in Dublin. DYLAN JACK reports.

Erasmus, at the end of September, successfully served the stadium ban handed down to him by World Rugby in the aftermath of last year’s British & Irish Lions series.

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SA Rugby’s director of rugby was a water-carrier during the series, but confirmed during a media conference on Wednesday that a change in World Rugby protocol means that he instead will be with the rest of the Springbok coaching team at the Aviva Stadium.

“It was in the laws and part of the protocol back when I was water-carrier,” explained Erasmus. “So, I will now be back in the coaches’ box on Saturday with the coaches.

“I love rugby and I love match-days. I like being with the guys in the change room. I missed that a lot.

“It’s not nice to be with the guys during training in the week and then on match day the bus leaves with the players, but you have to go back to your room,” added Erasmus.

“It’s nice to be back.”

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There has been a controversial edge added to this weekend’s clash with Ireland, who are set to run out in dark jerseys bearing a resemblance to the green and gold of the Springboks.

This has sparked concerns of a potential kit clash, much like what fans saw when these two teams last met in Dublin in 2017.

“I am not sure. To me, it looks like the jerseys won’t clash,’ said Erasmus. “I am not the referee on the field who has to make the decisions when it’s very tight and close. I guess the guys would have done their homework and would know if they clash.

“I just know that the home team gets to wear the alternative jerseys and the visiting team will wear their traditional jerseys. As long as the referees and fans can see and we are able to play without it disturbing anything. When I compared the two, there is a difference.

“We just know that we have to pitch up with our jerseys and if there is a clash, then the guys in charge will sort it out.”

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Photo: Twitter: @Springboks

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Dylan Jack