Erasmus on Springboks' demolition of Italy: 'It wasn't perfect, but it was proper'

The Springboks were quick out of the blocks and stunned the home team, scoring six tries for a convincing 45-0 halftime lead, but tailed off later in the game as the hosts at least got onto the scoreboard.

While happy with his team's display in their opening clash of their European tour, Erasmus was open about the importance of improving on their performance with two massive matches against France and Ireland ahead.

"It's almost impossible to put 80 minutes together at 100 per cent," Erasmus said. "Obviously, we're not happy with the second half. We scored 45 points in the first half, and the final score was 66, so we got another 21 points in the second half.

"Italy are a proud team, and despite being 45 points down, they started running the ball from everywhere, while we also made some changes that we wanted to see, and with that one loses a bit of rhythm.

"But when you win 66â-7, I don't think you can start nitpicking problems in the second half. It wasn't perfect, but it was proper.

"That said, we have to play much better than this if we want to be competitive against France and Ireland. But it's nice to know that after being a month away from one other, the boys got together and played like that."

Erasmus was forced to make a late change just before the kick-off as lock Salmaan Moerat withdrew from the match-23 after picking up a niggle in the warm-up, which saw Lood de Jager start the match and Franco Mostert slot in on the bench.

"Salmaan had a little bit of a back spasm on Thursday, but we thought it would clear up," said Erasmus.

"He looked good at the captain's practice, but unfortunately in the warm-up he got more back spasms, so hopefully it's not too serious. He's the only casualty we have from the game. I don't think there are any other serious injuries."

The Springboks will depart for Paris where they will turn their focus to Friday's Test against France at the Stade de France.

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