Sept 22 (Askume) – South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus refused to dwell on Saturday’s 29-28 defeat in Argentina at the Rugby Championship .
Despite the defeat, the race for the Rugby Championship title continues, although the Springboks need just one point to decide the trophy when they face Argentina in Nelspruit next Saturday.
“We made a lot of mistakes in crucial moments and Argentina took advantage of the opportunity,” Erasmus told reporters. “If that mistake hadn’t happened, we would be sitting here smiling right now.
“But if we did everything we needed to do in the game, it didn’t come down to that one kick. We missed the touchline and made other mistakes. It wasn’t a good performance from us.
“I was expecting him (Libbock) to take the penalty, he’s been playing well all week, but it’s pressure.
“He will face a lot of criticism for this and he will have to deal with it. I’m sure we will all face criticism for his omission.”
Erasmus made 10 changes to the team for the Santiago del Estero game, leaving several key players at home to provide opportunities for the full squad.
Despite this result he has no regrets and believes this experience will help the development of the team’s younger players in the long run.
“The rested players will play again next weekend. We want to win this game but it is a gamble to keep the players at home,” Erasmus said.
“This defeat is not a good thing, but some of the young players will get a taste of this stadium and how Argentina sees the game, which will help them in the future.”
“We have to get over tonight and I promise you, it’s very sad. We have to point the finger at ourselves, not only the players but the coaches and the front office.”
“We have a chance to improve and win the Rugby Championship next week.”
