Rassie Erasmus looks on during the World Cup match between the Springboks and Ireland at Stade de France. (Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus gazed across the Stade de France in Paris at celebratory Ireland supporters and was overheard saying “this is a bitter one to swallow”.
The dust had barely settled on a stirring 2023 Rugby World Cup pool match in which the Irish came from behind to win 13-8 through two penalties from since-retired Johnny Sexton.
South Africa did have the last laugh, recovering to win back-to-back world titles, while Ireland were eliminated by New Zealand in the quarter-finals.
South Africans need to be in the know if we want to create a prosperous future. News24 has kept the country informed for 25 years, and we’re about to enter a new chapter of fearless journalism. Join our free subscription trial to unlock this story and a world of news aimed to inform, empower, and inspire.
