Rassie Erasmus insists the Springboks are looking forward, not backward, as they prepare for Saturday’s highly anticipated rematch against Japan at Wembley.
The fixture rekindles memories of Japan’s famous 34-32 victory over the Springboks at the 2015 World Cup in Brighton, one of rugby’s great upsets.
“I can remember exactly where I was,” Erasmus said. “I was at home, in my bar, watching the game. That will always be one of their iconic wins.”
Erasmus acknowledged the significance of that result but stressed that the current Springbok team operates in a different era.
“Those kinds of things happen in sport,” he said. “I’ve been part of history-making moments myself, both as a player and as a coach.”
DON’T FORGET, BUT DON’T REPEAT
The Springboks head into the clash as back-to-back world champions, a far cry from the uncertainty surrounding them in 2015. Erasmus believes the team’s recent consistency stems from experience and composure under pressure.
“You learn from the past, but you don’t live in it,” he said. “Our focus is on what lies ahead, not what happened a decade ago.”
He recalled his own experiences with painful defeats, including South Africa’s first-ever loss to Wales in 1999.
“I remember that day clearly,” he said. “It wasn’t a good feeling, but it made us stronger. These moments test character.”
Erasmus also reflected on the Wallabies’ comeback win at Ellis Park earlier this year, describing it as another reminder of sport’s unpredictability.
“It wasn’t a nice feeling,” he admitted. “But even after that, we lifted ourselves and won the Rugby Championship again. That’s what matters.”
ERASMUS WARY JAPANESE THREAT
Japan, meanwhile, arrive in London following a narrow defeat to Australia and appear rejuvenated under Eddie Jones. Erasmus remains wary of their evolution and the tactical edge their coach brings.
“We know how Eddie prepares his teams,” he said. “They’ll come at us with speed, structure, and confidence. We must match that intensity.”
For Erasmus, history provides motivation but not distraction.
“We respect what they achieved in 2015,” he said. “But we’re focused on the present. We’re analysing Japan’s current game, how they’re building under Eddie, and how we can win the next match.”
