We now have to beat them in the boardrooms – Bok coach Rassie irate that Wessels could be suspended

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was in a feisty mood early on Thursday morning when he commented on the alleged heavy ban handed to Jan-Hendrik Wessels, while also explaining why he does not pick Stormers No 8 Evan Roos.

At 5.36 am, Erasmus posted on the social media platform X: “It just got tougher!! We now have to beat them on the field. And in the boardrooms. Hamba man. Tsek. Loop Kak.”

The coach is clearly unamused that Bulls prop/hooker Wessels has reportedly been banned for nine weeks for allegedly making contact with the genital area of Connacht flank Josh Murphy during a match in Galway last week.

Murphy, who was red-carded for punching Wessels, told the referee he had done so because Wessels had grabbed him in the genitals. The matter was referred to the TMO, who could find no evidence to corroborate Murphy’s claim.

Also, early on Thursday, Erasmus engaged with users on X regarding the omission of Roos from the 36-man Bok squad about to leave for a five-week tour. Roos has been in superb form for the Cape side in the United Rugby Championship.

In response to a question suggesting he had a “personal issue” with Roos, Erasmus replied: “My friend. He is a world-class player and will play many Test matches for the Boks.

"We just have two really good eights in Jasper (Wiese) and Kwagga (Smith), and in my opinion they are still delivering at a higher level than Evan!! So who to drop?

One thing is a given, he is a Test match player and will probably make it in 2027.”

When it was put to him that Smith “hasn’t excelled in the No 8 position and would not start there for any top-tier provincial side,” Erasmus responded: “Obviously we are not always right, and I hear and understand what you say!! Thanks for the way you discuss these things! Appreciate it. Ras.”