“I’m Not Going To Pretend”: Erasmus Admits Nerves Ahead of All Blacks Clash

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admits there is a huge desire within the South African camp to make a winning start against New Zealand in Saturday’s opening Test, which carries significant importance in a highly anticipated four-match series.

The Springboks will face the All Blacks in the first Test of the Greatest Rivalry Series at Ellis Park on Saturday. Erasmus stressed that everyone involved — from the coaching staff and medical team to the players — is determined to secure victory.

“I can tell you 100% there’s not a management member, a team member, a coaching staff, a physio, a medic who doesn’t want us to win the first Test match,” Erasmus said.

“So, we will definitely try our utmost to win the first Test match.”

While Erasmus acknowledged that losing the opening encounter would not end South Africa’s hopes of winning the series, he emphasised the value of making an early statement.

“It’s a massive Test series, and how we start is very important,” he said.

“We just think about keeping the guys fresh.

“If you can land the first blow, that’s great, but if you lose, there’s time to come back in the series, though it would always be better to win the first one.”

Beyond the result, Erasmus also acknowledged the unique emotional intensity that comes with facing New Zealand.

The Springbok coach admitted that the prospect of facing the All Blacks remains personally significant, describing the occasion as one of the most enjoyable yet nerve-wracking moments of his coaching career.

“I’m also not going to lie if I tell you this is not personally one of the most enjoyable, obviously nerve-wracking moments,” he said.

“As I’m sitting here, I’m nervous. I’m not going to pretend I’m not nervous,” the Springbok tactician admitted.

“I’m nervous, the team is nervous, I guess the supporters are nervous, but I’m pretty sure it’s the same on the other side.”

One defining element of any Springboks-All Blacks encounter is the Haka. Erasmus says the South African camp now has an even greater appreciation for the traditional challenge following an explanation of its meaning from current Springbok assistant coach Tony Brown.

While Erasmus previously viewed the Haka as an act of intimidation, he now regards the opportunity to face it as an honour.

“We can look calm; we can speak in a way that it looks like we are 100% in control, but no, it’s massive,” Erasmus said.

“It’s a very emotional thing to have the privilege to face the Haka.”

Erasmus even hinted at appealing again to the Ellis Park crowd ahead of the Test, but insisted the Springboks would show respect when the All Blacks perform the Haka.

“I will even tweet again to appeal to the Ellis Park crowd, but since Tony has told us what the Haka means, of course we respect it, but we just admire it a little bit more, and you won’t see us doing funny tricks when they do the Haka,” Erasmus said.

“We have always had this weird opinion about the Haka as an advantage, and why the All Blacks do it, but since Tony has described it for us, it’s actually more of an honour to face it.

“I would still want to stand there because I miss it and the players are looking forward to it.

“It’s a very emotional and proud thing to be part of.”