Rassie Erasmus tried to play the game.

CAPE TOWN - After years of inane platitudes from All Black coach Steve Hansen about the rivalry with the Boks after his side racked up record scores against their old foes, things changed this week.

It was just one week before South Africa played Ireland in Aviva Stadium in November 2017 that Rassie Erasmus bid an emotional farewell to Munster.

Johann van Graan gave no indication about the quality of his Sunday night’s sleep but given the Munster boss watched a playback of Saracens’ seven-try demolition of Glasgow Warriors before bedtime, a fit of the night terrors would have been understandable.

South Africa boss Rassie Erasmus has backed New Zealand to end the year as the world’s top-ranked Test team despite pressure from Ireland.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has included two uncapped players but made no selection surprises in his squad for this season’s Rugby Championship.

One of the key Castres players hoping to plot a shock win over Munster on Sunday in the opening round of the Champions Cup grew up in South Africa with Rassie Erasmus as one of his childhood heroes.

Rassie Erasmus will confirm his departure as head coach of Munster today, Examiner Sport understands.

Simon Zebo last night described the Munster squad as “a real brotherhood” and maintained that director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has assured players they don’t have to worry about his future.

That uncomfortable sensation Munster players are experiencing this week has little or nothing to do with a shake-up at management level, writes Ronan O’Gara

A PLAYER eligibility issue involving defending Irish Senior Cup champions Pembroke Wanderers threatens to overshadow the Dubliners’ quest to retain the trophy when they lock horns with Cookstown at Belfield on Sunday (1.15).