“We Don’t Expect Flashy”: Erasmus Defends Moerat Against Social Media Critics

Salmaan Moerat’s return from injury has once again drawn attention to the role he plays in the Springbok setup, with head coach Rassie Erasmus making it clear that the lock’s value to the team extends far beyond what supporters see on the field.

The 28-year-old Moerat joined French club La Rochelle from the Stormers but has struggled with a series of neck and toe injuries in recent times.

With 11 Test caps to his name, Moerat has been selected to start in the second row against Italy in the Nations Championship clash at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Addressing opinions surrounding Moerat and his place in the squad, Erasmus acknowledged that he pays attention to what South African supporters have to say, including discussions on social media. However, he also explained that public perception does not always reflect the contribution a player makes to the team.

“We always listen to what the people have to say. I’m not going to say we don’t get caught up in listening to social media. I listen to social media. I like South African people who have an opinion,” Erasmus explained.

The Springbok coach pointed out that several players have endured periods of heavy criticism before going on to prove their worth, citing Willie le Roux and Faf de Klerk as examples.

When it comes to Moerat, however, Erasmus believes some of the criticism misses the bigger picture.

He stressed that the Springboks do not expect Moerat to be a flashy player. Instead, they value the hard, physical and often unnoticed work he brings to the team.

“I’ve never really listened to people who talk nonsense about Salmaan. He’s not the type of guy that does the flashy work, and we don’t expect him to do the flashy work. We expect him to do what he always does for us.”

Erasmus also highlighted the importance of having players who provide the physical foundation required at international level, comparing Moerat’s role to that of fellow locks Jean Kleyn and RG Snyman.

“I think he’s been our captain four or five times. We need a grinder like a Jean Kleyn or an RG Snyman, even though RG is also flashy at times, but that grind is something we need in the team,” he said.

For Erasmus, Moerat’s contribution is particularly evident in the physical battles that often determine the outcome of Test matches.

The coach highlighted his scrummaging, mauling, work at the breakdown and physical commitment, explaining that these contributions are not always easy for supporters to recognise.

“Nobody understands how hard he scrums, how hard he mauls, how hard he cleans in a ruck and how physical he really is,” said the former Munster coach.

It serves as a reminder that rugby is not only about spectacular carries, big tackles and highlight-reel moments. Much of the work that allows a team to succeed happens in the tight exchanges, where players put their bodies on the line to create opportunities for others.

Erasmus made it clear that the coaching staff and Moerat’s teammates recognise and appreciate what he brings to the team, regardless of whether those contributions receive public recognition.

“We’re also not upset that people don’t see that. As long as Salmaan knows, and his teammates know, that we see that and that we value that. He is the kind of guy we enjoy in our team,” he said.

Erasmus emphasised that supporters are entitled to their opinions, but the Springboks also have their own assessment of Moerat’s contribution.

“I can understand that people have their opinions, but we also have our opinion about Salmaan,” Erasmus said.

Moerat’s return gives the Springboks another opportunity to call on a player whose value, according to Erasmus, lies in the physical and often unglamorous aspects of the game.

If Erasmus’s comments are anything to go by, Salmaan Moerat’s importance to the Springboks is certainly not measured by the noise on social media.