Rassie's brutal comeback to Bok criticism

REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus is not shy to speak his mind.

It was no surprise that the 2019 World Cup-winning Springbok coach had a brutal comeback for criticism of his team.

@RugbyPass' New Zealand-based columnist @bensmithrugby on Monday took a swipe at the Erasmus' @Springboks.

He questioned the hype surrounding the No.1-ranked team ahead of their three-Test series with the British and Irish Lions.

"They are rightfully World Cup holders, but this era of Springbok rugby hasn't proven to the world they are anything but a good side who won the World Cup with a helpful schedule," Smith said in an opinion piece on @rugby365com's parent site.

"The Springboks have ducked competition and hid since winning the World Cup, trying to prop up an illusion that this side is the best team in the world instead of making that a reality with a bold 2020 campaign," he added.

Erasmus' no-nonsense comeback showed why he is so respected by his players and peers.

"This always made sense to me: A lion doesn't concern himself with the opinion of a sheep," Erasmus responded.

Erasmus was not alone in his condemnation of the column.

Some called it outright sour grapes.

And others pointed to the Boks' controversial departure from the 2011 World Cup at the hands of New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence.