Rassie Erasmus hit back at Ian Foster after the All Blacks coach threw a bit of thinly-veiled criticism at the “stop-start” World Cup clash between the Springboks and Ireland.
Speaking after the All Blacks scored 14 tries to demolish Italy and earn a crucial bonus-point victory, Foster implied that fans would much rather watch an open game with plenty of tries, than a high-intensity, gritty match between two of international rugby’s best teams.
The big Pool B clash between world number one Ireland and the defending world champions saw just one try scored apiece, as the Irish fought to a 13-8 victory.
“If you look at the South Africa-Ireland game, it was a different game of rugby,” Foster said.
“The ball was in play for 27 minutes throughout the whole game. It was a very stop-start game, very physical, very combative.
“You saw a different spectacle tonight and at some point the world has got to decide which game it would rather watch.”
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After a video of Foster’s post-match comments were posted on social media, Bok director of rugby Erasmus took the opportunity to respond on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Ian always a straight shooter and say it as it is! Have respect for him since he coached the Chiefs,” Erasmus posted.
“But I think 2 min more ball in play and a epic battle between Ireland and the Boks is the game I would rather watch! (while saying that, your boys were crisp and clinical).”
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Erasmus included two statistical graphics in his post, highlighting the one-sided nature of New Zealand’s victory over Italy, compared to the closely-fought battle between the Boks and Ireland.
Ian always a straight shooter and say it as it is! Have respect for him since he coached the Chiefs!! But I think 2 min more ball in play and a epic battle between Ireland and Boks is the game I would rather watch !! ( while saying that your boys were crisp and clinical 🤝) https://t.co/qeo7M4y5nv pic.twitter.com/nB2wzAWSZC
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) September 30, 2023
Photo: MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP