Rassie Erasmus fosters Springbok renaissance

After only spending 18 months immersed in the Irish game, newly appointed Springbok director of rugby and head coach Rassie Erasmus has already begun to implement many of the structures he encountered in a similar role with Munster to influence change in his country, writes Donal Lenihan

It’s all of 20 years since an Irish rugby team appeared at the Outeniqua Stadium in George, on South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route on the Western Cape.

So much has changed in the rugby fortunes of both countries since a touring Irish XV lost 27-20 to South West Districts that it was no surprise when Munster ran out deserving 39-22 winners over the Southern Kings in their first ever match on South African soil.