Rassie Erasmus isn't widely regarded as a calm individual. The South Africa director of rugby wears his heart on his sleeve and isn't afraid to speak his mind when he feels necessary. The Chasing The Sun 2 documentary captured one such moment during the Springboks World Cup semi-final against England.
For context, South Africa were expected to comfortably beat England in the semi-finals after beating hosts France in the quarters. England had flattered to deceive throughout the tournament, playing a kick-heavy style of rugby and scraping through matches against lower level opposition like Samoa and Japan.
However in the first half everyone was shocked to see England challenge South Africa. They disrupted everything the Springboks tried to do and four penalties from Owen Farrell gave England a 12-6 lead going into the break.
Rassie Erasmus Grills Team At Halftime Of RWC Semis
It was fair to say it was a disappointing first half performance from South Africa. They were the heavy favourites but played like they weren't ready to face this England side.
Rassie Erasmus put it to the Springboks straight in a halftime clip that's gone viral from the latest episode of Chasing The Sun 2.
You gave the f***ing penalty away,
And you promised you won’t. You promised you were going to scrum them. You promised to you were going play like it’s your last f***ing game as a group together.
But you lied. You’re a f***ing liar!
Rugby World Cup Semi final. Rassie’s speech at half time calling out players on not delivering on their promise. Love how he users life values to hold players accountable on the pitch! What a flippen coach! pic.twitter.com/tzXmSSoXaO
— Katleho Lynch (@LynchCoach) March 25, 2024
The comments would pay off for South Africa. A try from RG Snyman, converted by Handré Pollard and a penalty from Mannie Libbok would give South Africa a narrow 16-15 victory.
This is just one of a myriad of classic Rassie moments we've seen over the years, whether it's using a traffic light to communicate with his team or his usual ranting about refereeing decisions. With two World Cups on his résumé who's to say that his style doesn't work.
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