The former flanker was hailed as a hero in May when he appointed South Africa’s first-ever black captain Siya Kolisi, who then led South Africa to a thrilling series victory over England.
But after back-to-back losses to Argentina and Australia, Erasmus’ head is already on the chopping block.
A bemused Erasmus fielded media queries in Wellington this week over whether he was about to be sacked.
The chairman of the SA Rugby, Mark Alexander, was even forced to come out in support of his embattled coach.
NEWS: @_cosatu has accused @Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus of giving preferential treatment to white players.
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) September 14, 2018
https://t.co/1B7fig3Fjr
Short of a miracle, a third straight loss is awaiting Erasmus and his team when they take on the All Blacks on Saturday, but even worse than the impending result is attacks suggesting that Erasmus is winding back on his stated desire to transform the team.
South African rugby is committed to working towards a 50/50 balance between white and non-white players at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Erasmus had previously embraced the transformation agenda, but as the results have started to go against his team, he has begun to wind back the number of non-white players.
He started with no less than six non-white players in each of his first five Tests, going as high as seven for the Wales Test in Washington DC and the third match against England.
That became five for both Rugby Championship matches played so far and now it has dropped to just four to face the All Blacks.
Not surprisingly the attacks have already started with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) suggesting that he is giving preferential treatment to white players.
It’s a major mistake from Erasmus, who seems to already be cracking under the pressure.
Even with his very best team, South Africa were still going to lose this Test by 20+ points.
Much smarter for Erasmus would have been to pick a side with eight or more non-white players who would only have lost by a similar margin.
This way he loses the match and the campaign for transformation – setting himself up for a battle on two fronts.
Sadly Erasmus’ early gains have evaporated as the clock has begun ticking on his troubled tenure.
