Nienaber on Rassie’s “water boy” duties: We like to work “out of the box”

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Jacques Nienaber says it was of great benefit for Rassie Erasmus to effectively serve as a sideline assistant during Friday night’s win over Georgia.

Erasmus, who served as the Boks’ head coach in 2018 and 2019, has shifted into a new role as director of rugby since leading the national team to the World Cup title in Japan.

On Friday, as the Boks returned to Test action, it certainly didn’t escape the attention of onlookers – more accustomed to seeing Erasmus in the coaches box – that the World Cup-winning coach was wearing a bib and “running water” onto the field.

“It was nice for me in terms of being able to chat with Rassie and him giving me feedback from the players and running water on the side,” said Nienaber after the match.

“Hats off to him for wanting to do that. Myself and Rassie always work a little bit out of the box.

“Obviously I can’t be on the side of the field … so hopefully he makes himself available for the next game as well.”

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