In 2018, the Springboks were in a dire state. Ranked sixth in the world, they had lost 11 out of 25 matches, suffered their first-ever defeat to Italy, lost to Ireland at home, and endured two humiliating 50-point defeats to the All Blacks in consecutive years. The South African rugby community was in a crisis, and the pride of the nation seemed tarnished. Enter Johan "Rassie" Erasmus, a man whose dedication and vision were about to transform South African rugby forever.
Restoring Confidence
When Erasmus took the reins as head coach of the Springboks in 2018, there was a monumental task ahead. He not only faced the challenge of improving the team but restoring the nation's confidence in the iconic green and gold jersey. And boy, did he deliver.
More to Come
Under Erasmus's leadership, the Springboks underwent a remarkable transformation. By the end of the 2024 season, the Springboks had won 55 out of 77 tests, a winning rate of 71%. The 2018 Rugby Championship marked a significant turning point when they defeated the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time since 2009—a feat that hinted at what was to come. The following year, the Springboks claimed the 2019 Rugby Championship title and achieved an elusive draw with New Zealand, the first since 1994.
The Best Team in the World
The culmination of Rassie's efforts came at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where South Africa triumphed, lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for the third time. That victory not only marked South Africa's first world title since 2007 but also reinstated the team as the number one rugby nation in the world—a ranking they would reach again in 2023 and 2024, and then that big moment of lifting the World Cup for the fourth time in 2023.
Taking a Step Back
Erasmus then stepped back into his role as Director of Rugby, yet his influence remained crucial. The Springboks' 2023 and 2024 seasons were marked by sustained excellence. They once again emerged victorious at the Rugby World Cup in 2023, becoming the first team in history to achieve back-to-back titles away from home. South Africa also secured multiple major titles, including the Rugby Championship (2019, 2024), the British & Irish Lions series (2021), the Mandela Challenge Plate (2019, 2023, 2024), and the Freedom Cup in 2024—their first since 2009.
Record Holders
In 2024, the Springboks further etched their names into the history books by becoming the first team to simultaneously hold a Rugby World Cup, a Lions Series win, a Rugby Championship title, a Freedom Cup, a Mandela Challenge Plate, a Qatar Airways Cup, and the Prince William Cup. Their dominance saw them defeat all the top ten rugby nations and culminated in an undefeated end-of-year tour for the first time since 2013.
And Getting Better
The 2024 season was particularly special, as the Springboks notched their highest try-scoring season outside of a World Cup year since 1997, with an astounding 50 tries. Their winning rate of 84.6% in both 2023 and 2024 was their best since 1998, underlining their resurgence as a powerhouse in world rugby.
Consistency the Key
Erasmus's coaching philosophy was built on consistency, meticulous planning, and fostering a sense of unity and belief within the squad. His approach was further recognised in 2024 when he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. from North-West University's Faculty of Health Sciences for his remarkable management of the Springbok campaigns.
The Journey
The story of the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus is not just one of victory—it's a testament to resilience, belief, and the power of leadership. From a team that once faced humiliation to becoming four-time World Cup winners, the Springboks' journey is a true reflection of Erasmus's impact. He gave a nation a reason to believe again, and his legacy is not just etched in silverware but in the hearts of millions of fans who witnessed one of the greatest comebacks in rugby history.
