Outspoken former coach Matt Williams, who is now a part-time rugby pundit, has become well known in recent times for his constant criticism of the Springboks, which often includes ‘shade’ being thrown at Rassie Erasmus
Williams has constantly fired criticism at the Springboks, whether it be bad-mouthing the concept of the ‘bomb squad’, Erasmus’ outspoken nature, or some of the modern-day trickery enforced by the world champions.
His latest comments about the Springboks recently caught the attention of social media users when Williams celebrated the fact that “the 7-1 bench has quietly died”, which is something he previously insisted was against the spirit and safety of the game.
When asked about this comment at a press conference this week, Erasmus quite literally laughed it off.
“He doesn’t really know our team,” Erasmus said, as quoted by Rugby365. “I don’t think any of our players or management takes him seriously, with all due respect.
“I mean, he’s an elderly person who has been around the block. I’m sure a lot of people have a lot of respect for him, but it’s all clickbait.
“We don’t comment on other teams on their selections, how they play and how they combine their side. I know he’s in Ireland, but he’s an Australian.
“So does he represent the way Australia thinks or Ireland thinks? We hear it, but we laugh at it.
Springbok coach has dished out another sweet burn
Just a few week ago Williams also lashed out at the Springboks and Erasmus for their style of play and gamesmanship during the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour, which drew another to that latest outburst.
The Springbok coach pointedly shared a Wikipedia screen shot highlighting how, as coach of Scotland, Williams had only managed three wins in 17 matches, two of which were against then Tier Two nations Japan and Samoa.
