South Africa's lock RG Snyman (C) greets Georgia's centre Demuri Tapladze (2L) after their victory during the international rugby union Test match between South Africa and Georgia at Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela on July 19, 2025. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP) (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has declared an end to the recent phase of experimentation following South Africa’s commanding 55-10 victory over Georgia in Mbombela. The match, which saw the Boks score nine tries, marked a decisive shift towards consistency as the team gears up for the Rugby Championship.
The announcement comes after a July series that Erasmus described as a mix of “science lab” and “demolition job.” The series included a non-cap match against the Barbarians and was characterized by frequent team changes, which Erasmus admitted had disrupted the team’s rhythm.
From Experimentation to Consistency
Reflecting on the series, Erasmus stated, “We’re fairly happy if you look over the four games. We scored close to 50 points in each match and apart from the first Italy test defended pretty well. Georgia were physical and disruptive but that’s not an excuse for us making so many errors.”
“We must understand that if we chop and change teams like we have as we’re building squad depth, you’ll lose rhythm,” Erasmus noted.
The coaching staff had made significant changes to the squad in consecutive weeks, which Erasmus acknowledged had affected team cohesion. However, he expressed satisfaction with the overall performance, noting the team’s ability to maintain high scorelines.
Looking Ahead to the Rugby Championship
Ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Australia, a 36-man squad is set to be announced. While there is still room for some experimentation, the focus is now on honing the best possible team. “Within that squad there’ll be one or two guys that we experiment with, but the bulk of that squad will be experienced players who are suited to the way we want to play,” Erasmus explained.
The coach highlighted the depth of talent available, mentioning players like Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Quan Horn, and Renzo du Plessis as potential inclusions. “This was a series where we wanted to experiment a little bit so getting the scorelines we did is pretty satisfying. But the Rugby Championship is definitely a step up,” he added.
Addressing the Flyhalf’s Off Day
Despite the overall success, one notable issue was flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s performance with goal-kicking, converting only one of his five attempts. Erasmus provided context for the young player’s struggles, revealing that Feinberg-Mngomezulu had sustained a hip pointer injury during the warm-up.
“He suffered a hip pointer injury in the warm-up,” Erasmus said. “We weren’t quite sure if we should push him through the game, but he wanted to play — but that’s not an excuse for the way he kicked at poles.”
Despite the injury, Erasmus praised Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s resilience and willingness to take risks, emphasizing the importance of nurturing players who are not afraid to try new things.
Implications and Future Prospects
The Springboks’ recent performances, including a 45-0 victory over Italy, have demonstrated their offensive prowess, with the team ending the series with 22 tries scored and only four conceded. As they prepare for the Rugby Championship, the focus will be on maintaining this momentum while achieving greater consistency.
The move towards a more stable lineup represents a strategic pivot for the Springboks, as they seek to build on their recent successes and compete at the highest level. With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, Erasmus and his team are poised to tackle the challenges ahead.
As the Rugby Championship approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Springboks’ new strategy unfolds and whether it can propel them to further victories on the international stage.
