Rassie Erasmus glad to finally get Dublin monkey off the Boks' backs

By SABC Sport
23rd November 2025

Rassie Erasmus conceded the Springboks weren't at their best in the 24-13 win over Ireland but was a happy man after coming away with a victory in Dublin for the first time since 2012.

It was an incredibly physical encounter that was punctuated by a plethora of penalties, cards and moments of brilliance by both sides.

Ireland received a 20-minute red card and four yellows throughout that match, which saw them down to just 12 men on the field at one stage.

Despite that, the Springboks struggled to convert their ample time in the red zone into a significant lead against a well-organised and desperate Irish defence.

While Erasmus admitted it would have been nice to score more points and claim a more emphatic win, he was just happy to be able to beat a team that the Springboks have really struggled against in recent years.

"It was a great win against a team like Ireland, who have dominated against us since we've been together as a group," he said.

"If you look back at the last five games we've played, they are still three-two up against us, so we won't get carried away with the result, but the beer tastes a little better.

"We are just thankful that we were able to beat them here. It's been a long season for us, and a lot of the players have to go back to Japan and others will play in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship next week.

"But we are certainly proud after such a long season to grind through a win against a team such as them at home for the first time in 13 years.

"We've had games with red cards and a concussion when there wasn't a ping and we've had to grind it out, but in general, the match was very physical and there was obviously a 20-minute red card, which I thought was the correct call, so that the other player could come onto the field.

"I thought we were completely dominant for most parts of the game, but we just couldn't capitalise on it while we were inside the 22m area, so it was hectic and difficult to manage with who went off and came back on, but that's Test match rugby and you have to understand and manage those situations."