Rassie Erasmus believes the return of traditional touring matches against the All Blacks will give South African players and fans an experience many have never had before.
As part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, the All Blacks will face the Stormers, Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Lions in addition to the four Tests against the Springboks.
Erasmus said the URC club fixtures would rekindle a special tradition that has largely disappeared from the modern game.
“It’s very special,” said Erasmus. “I can recall when the British & Irish Lions toured here in 1997. I played my first Test in that series for the Springboks, but I also played in the midweek game for the Cheetahs against the Lions and that was the last proper tour that I was part of.
“I framed that Free State jersey.”
MORE: Best available SA URC teams to tackle All Blacks
The Bok coach said the opportunity to represent a URC club against the All Blacks would create lifelong memories for players.
“To face the haka, to face an All Black team in a midweek clash is a massive honour.
“The first time you face it will be really special and I think our local crowds will really be spoilt and our players will be really honoured.”
ALSO: Ackers bullish about All Blacks challenge
Erasmus also believes the end of Super Rugby has added an intriguing dimension to the series, with many younger players on both sides unfamiliar with the unique challenges of travelling between South Africa and New Zealand.
“Because the South African teams don’t play Super Rugby anymore, many of the guys won’t really know what it’s like to play New Zealand teams,” he said.
“And the same goes for them. Their younger players will be coming here to a country they haven’t played in before.
ALL BLACKS WARNED: You don’t know what’s coming
“It’ll be interesting to see how they experience our stadiums and hotels because they wouldn’t have come here to play Super Rugby.
“It works both ways and that’s what makes it exciting and even a bit unpredictable.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
The post Rassie: SA crowds in for a treat appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Rassie Erasmus believes the return of traditional touring matches against the All Blacks will give South African players and fans an experience many have never had before.
The post Rassie: SA crowds in for a treat appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
