Rassie respectful but unfazed as Springboks eye breakthrough

SPRINGBOK coach Rassie Erasmus says the result of a close match against Ireland tomorrow will not define a season, in which his team have already won 11 of the 13 matches they have played.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

Erasmus added that while much is being made about the Boks losing four of their last five games against the Irish, the margins have been tiny.

“I am not sure that Saturday's result will define the season as being successful or not,” the coach said. “If we play at our best, but Ireland are better on the day, what can you say then? That is rugby.

“It is about the level of performance that we deliver in our fourteenth match of the season. We have been together since the beginning of June.

“To keep up the intensity and to keep emotions in check after big matches against the All Blacks and France, plus the drain of the red cards ... that is the challenge.