Rassie not lost to Boks

Jake White believes that Rassie Erasmus can still contribute to the Bok World Cup campaign despite having left the Springbok camp to begin his tenure as head coach of Western Province.

“Rassie can still assist us,” said White.

“There are still a few weeks before our warm-up games, and although we accept he is now committed to a new Super 14 franchise, where the expectations are very big, he can still contribute here and there.

“Analysis is one area where we’ve really worked hard this year and Rassie’s done a lot of video work for us with Willie Maree, helping to cut some videos.

“I think part of coaching is doing analysis of teams because you need to use that sort of stuff for your own team. I’m sure he’ll give us some guidance or advice when he sees something.”

“I think Rassie’s very happy with what’s come out of this. I understand fully where he’s at. There’s no animosity from our side at all – it’s a good opportunity for him, as coaches you must take opportunities but, yet, he’s still prepared to assist where he can.

“Again, I must emphasise, I won’t be on the phone to him all the time because he’s got another job to do. But I’m sure that if we need some assistance, or want him to look at certain aspects for us, I’m sure he’ll find time to actually put that together.”

White was asked about possible replacements for Erasmus.

“At this stage we’re not quite sure. But what I can say is that we won’t just be employing someone for the sake of it, we will employ somebody we believe can add value.

“Among the local names that have come under discussion are those of Carel du Plessis, Gerrit Pool, Frans Ludeke and Brendan Venter,” said the Springbok coach.