Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will back his kick-and-chase tactics in Saturday’s World Cup final against England.
South Africa were made to sweat in their semifinal clash against Wales last weekend, with the Boks grinding out a 19-16 win in the end.
In what was not an entertaining affair, the Boks booked their place in the final against an Eddie Jones-led England team that have the ability to adapt their game plan according to their needs.
Wales coach Warren Gatland, who was frustrated that by the Boks in the defeat, said afterwards that they can win the final if they change to a more expansive approach.
Nee wat, says Erasmus; they will stick to their guns.
KICK IT OVER: Handre Pollard. Picture: Franck Robinchon/EPA.
With Faf de Klerk managing the game with the boot and Handre Pollard converting penalties into points, the Bok coach is adamant that that is the way to win the trophy.
He explains: “There are some areas we need to improve on if we want to win.
“[But] I’m not 100 percent sure if the World Cup final will be won with a very expansive game plan with wonderful tries.
“It might be and I might be wrong, but I think we’ll go and grind it out again.”
Jones, though, doesn’t trust Erasmus and says: “Rassie is a cunning coach so we’re prepared for the unexpected.”