'Water boy' Rassie returns for Springboks

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed that Rassie Erasmus will continue his ‘water boy’ role in this weekend’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina.

South African Director of Rugby Erasmus has been fulfilling the role of water carrier since the British and Irish Lions series.

The 2019 World Cup-winning coach, Erasmus, was heavily criticised for his touchline gig, with the B&I Lions camp suggesting that he was acting as an on-field coach.

Erasmus was absent from the sidelines during last weekend’s 32-12 win over Argentina.

Instead, it was Duane Vermeulen who stepped in as water boy ‘cover’.

When asked about Erasmus’ absence, Springboks coach Nienaber revealed that he left the bio-bubble to be with his family.

“Rassie had a couple of things to do because he hasn’t been with his family,” Nienaber said.

“I was fortunate enough to have my family with me there in the bubble.

"However, due to logistical reasons, Rassies's family couldn’t make it.

"So he had a little break and we had Duane running the water this past weekend.

"However, Rassie is back with us and has followed the right protocols and hopefully will be at his post again.

“I believe he will,” Nienaber added.

Erasmus and SA Rugby are currently preparing for a misconduct hearing, following a 62-minute video where he criticised referee Nic Berry and his officials after the first Test between Springboks and B&I Lions.

World Rugby has yet to confirm the date of the hearing.

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