Rassie Erasmus is 'rugby's Sir Alex Ferguson' - South Africa coach labelled rugby's 'greatest' after Quilter Nations Series win over France
By Rhys Jones
Updated 10/11/2025 at 10:22 GMT
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Rassie Erasmus masterminded yet another incredible performance by South Africa, as they overcame a red card to beat France in Paris 32-17 in the Quilter Nations Series, live on TNT Sports and discovery+. David Flatman lauded Erasmus after the game as perhaps the "greatest rugby coach there's ever been," and compared him to football legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
Highlights: Kolisi claims 100th cap as 14-man South Africa sink France in Paris
Video credit: TNT Sports
David Flatman has compared South Africa boss Rassie Erasmus to Sir Alex Ferguson, calling him "the greatest rugby coach there's ever been."
South Africa overcame a red card to Lood de Jager to crush France 32-17 in Paris on Saturday, on what was captain Siya Kolisi's 100th Test cap.
They surged back through sheer physicality, having soaked up relentless pressure from France, who were hunting revenge for their World Cup heartbreak in 2023.
A dominant maul and scrum set the platform for the individual brilliance of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and The Springboks scored 19 unanswered points to claim victory over Fabien Galthie's side.
A trademark of the era under Erasmus, his substitutions were key in swaying the match in their favour.
"He might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think he might be the greatest rugby coach there's ever been. I think he might be rugby's Sir Alex Ferguson," Flatman said on TNT Sports.
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Even with a man missing, France could not contend with South Africa's ruthlessness and the hosts let various opportunities slip in the second half, scoring just three points after half-time.
South Africa took the lead for the first time in the 67th minute as Andre Esterhuizen rolled over the line.
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De Jager receives permanent red for 'intentional and reckless' head-high tackle
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Sharks centre had been deployed as a back-row in an inspired move. The powerful carrier has pulled double duty as both a flanker and centre over the summer as he embraces a hybrid role in the Springbok squad.
"You've got Venter subbed off at loosehead prop after 30 minutes. Siya Kolisi, the legend, the icon, subbed off. Rassie Erasmus is brutal," Flatman added.
"He's innovative, he's brutal. You watch him in that coaching box: I don't know what he's saying, but he's not chilled.
"There is constant innovation, the emotional intelligence appears to be off the charts when it comes to his players.
"For all the machismo and all the aggression and all the power, he's acutely aware that these guys have to be emotionally on it. They were nowhere near their best tonight, and they won comfortably."
Perhaps Erasmus' greatest decision in his Springbok tenure was installing Kolisi as captain.
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'I’m nothing without the boys' - Kolisi delivers HEARTFELT speech after South Africa win
Video credit: TNT Sports
Kolisi has been the heart of Erasmus' transformation of South Africa, captaining them to two World Cup triumphs.
He delivered a special speech while talking to TNT Sports after earning his 100th cap for South Africa.
"It's special," he said. "It means a lot to me and my family and to the team, too. I can't take credit for everything that I've achieved.
"There have been so many people along the way that have helped me. Everything that I've done, it's not by my own doing. I'm nothing without the boys. I'm so grateful for the way we fought, you know.
"Anybody who grew up in similar circumstances to me, no matter what skin colour they are, no matter where they are in the world, I just want them to know it's possible. It's not just me."
Watch and stream every game of the Quilter Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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