Rassie Erasmus reacts to Scott Robertson exit from All Blacks and how he’ll prepare for a new coach before Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series

The respect remains between Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus and his former All Blacks counterpart, Scott Robertson.

Erasmus has reacted for the first time to Robertson’s departure and the pending appointment of his replacement before New Zealand’s tour to the republic in August and September.

The four-time World Cup winners had a 3-1 record against Robertson’s All Blacks since the former Crusaders coach took the reins at the start of the 2024 season, including inflicting the biggest ever defeat on New Zealand – a 43-10 thumping in Wellington.

Robertson departed the role on January 16 and it was announced last week he will coach the Barbarians against Erasmus’ Springboks in his first job since leaving New Zealand.

Erasmus said the Baa-Baas is an environment fit for Robertson to excel.

“I know Scott really well as we’re the same age, I think. We played the same position, I think, in the same era.

“With the Barbarians, is a nice thing to bring innovation and I think it’s going to be a massive lekker game to watch because there’s no pressure and he can be himself. And I think that’s what a coach wants.”

The new All Blacks coach could be named this week, with Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie making their cases to New Zealand Rugby in the coming days. Whoever replaces Robertson, their major assignment in year one will be coming up with an answer against Erasmus and the Springboks.

Erasmus said the situation was tricky, regardless of whether Joseph or Rennie takes the reins ahead of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour where the two teams will meet in four tests.

“Well, we don’t know how they will play and and I guess the moment they announce that, you’ll hop on a few data videos.

“So those two other coaches are also brilliant. You want to have the same management team and coaching team and the players must get used to the guys ... I don’t think it’s ideal, but those names they’re naming, we’ll have to be okay, on the day.”

Given the nature of their fixtures this season, including the inaugural Nations Championship, Erasmus said there would probably be less experimentation than there was in 2025.

Last year, there was an emphasis on building depth with a view to defending their world title in Australia next year.

“We averaged nine changes per game last year, so we’re not under pressure to experiment,” he said.

But he said it was still necessary to ensure there was enough depth in each position.

“Depth is crucial,” he said. “You might lose four or five players in one position. Succession planning is key. Eighteen months out from a World Cup you should know who is likely to make it and who isn’t.”

- With AFP