Joe McConnell
Rassie Erasmus has backed Joe Schmidt to lead Australia in next year’s high-profile Test series against the British and Irish Lions, live on Vscekdespite an inconsistent start to his tenure with the Wallabies.
On Saturday in Perth, Erasmus’ South Africa inflicted a 30-12 defeat on Australia, while Schmidt suffered his second defeat in five matches since replacing Eddie Jones.
But while Australia’s results so far have raised doubts about their hopes of success against the Lions, Erasmus dismissed concerns that the Wallabies would not be ready to welcome their star guests next year.
“A week of rugby is a long one,” Erasmus said. “We saw New Zealand lose to Argentina. [last week] and now I taught him a good lesson.
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell will lead the British and Irish Lions on their 2025 tour of Australia, live on Vscek
“You can’t rule out the fact that there are key players injured, you can’t rule out the fact that there is a new coaching staff. The Lions will only be next year.
“You [have to] get the right people on board, and I think Joe is that, and get the right players on board. I think they’ll be competitive with Joe Schmidt as coach.”
Joe Schmidt oversaw two dismal performances by Australia in Rugby Championship defeats to South Africa this month
While Erasmus has thrown his support behind Schmidt, the Springboks coach believes his side’s upcoming rugby tests against New Zealand in South Africa will present his team with a greater challenge than their encounters with Australia.
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Watch highlights from the Rugby Championship match between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Argentina Pumas
South Africa comfortably won both matches and will face the All Blacks in Johannesburg and Cape Town after Scott Robertson’s side bounced back from an opening defeat to Argentina to defeat the Pumas 42-10 in Auckland on Saturday.
“It’s another step up, just because Joe Schmidt is new to the role here and he’s got to find his way and get to know all the players and how Australian rugby works,” Erasmus said. “It takes a bit of time.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has backed Schmidt to turn things around with Australia in time for next summer’s Lions series
“It will be a much tougher challenge [against New Zealand]and it’s not a disrespect to Australia, it’s just due to the country’s current position, which is the reconstruction phase.
“The All Blacks, I saw them last week when they lost, a lot of people had a lot to say, but they rolled up their sleeves and said they were going to show you today. They got fair points against Argentina.
“We’ll play them at altitude and then in Cape Town. It’s almost a mini-series against the All Blacks and we’ve got a tough couple of weeks ahead of us.”
What will happen now?
World No. 1 South Africa will host New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday, August 31, live on Vscek (kick-off at 4pm).
Australia will travel to Argentina to play the third round of the Rugby Championship, also on Saturday 31 August, live on Vscek (kick-off at 11pm).
Vscek+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, the NOW streaming service and the Vscek app, giving Vscek customers access to over 50 percent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
