Springboks’ ruthless home form leaves Erasmus “very happy”, says Mallett

Rassie Erasmus will go into the next phase of South Africa’s season “very happy” after the Springboks extracted exactly what they wanted from the home leg of the Nations Championship, according to former head coach Nick Mallett.

‘Boks got everything they wanted’

Mallett, who coached the Springboks between 1997 and 2000, told KickOff Rugby that the world champions had ticked off their key objectives in the three home Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.

“The Boks got everything they wanted out of the Nations Championship home fixtures against England, Scotland and Wales,” Mallett said.

“A top team went out against England and performed well, scoring 40 points.

“Then there were about 10 changes, and a much younger, more inexperienced side went out and managed to beat Scotland, who are a top team one of the top five in the world at the moment and who have beaten France, England and Argentina away from home.

“So that was a really good performance.

“But we gave away four tries and our defence looked a little bit ropey.

“Then, in slippery conditions in Durban, I thought the guys did well to win 43-0.

“Wales never looked as though they were in the game at all.”

The Springboks swept their home fixtures, running in 40 points against England, edging Scotland with a heavily rotated side, and then hammering Wales 43-0 in Durban.

Defence concerns amid “really good” results

Despite the perfect win record, Mallett warned that South Africa’s defensive structure was not flawless, particularly in the Scotland clash.

He noted that Gregor Townsend’s side, whom he ranks “among the top five in the world at the moment”, were able to breach the Springbok line four times – an unusual concession for a team built on defensive resilience.

Mallett suggested that the large number of changes and the presence of several inexperienced players contributed to the occasional lapses without the ball. However, he felt that the overall return – victories against three Tier 1 nations with differing team combinations – would leave Erasmus deeply satisfied as he reshapes his squad after their Rugby World Cup triumph.

Set-piece dominance and physical edge

While defence drew some scrutiny, Mallett was emphatic about the one aspect he believes has remained a hallmark of the Springboks’ game across all three Tests.

“Across the three games, the one thing that’s remained consistent, to my mind, has been our set piece,” he said.

“Our scrums and line-outs have been excellent. We’ve also competed well in the aerial battle.

“I didn’t think the first half against Wales went particularly well, but that was mainly due to a little bit of inexperience.

“Our physicality is always there, isn’t it? Anyone who plays for the Boks just seems to be more physical, gets off the line quicker and tackles harder.

“Those are the things you expect from any Springbok team.”

South Africa’s pack again laid a powerful platform, while their contesting in the air – an area Erasmus and his staff traditionally prioritise – allowed them to control territory and pressure.

Focus shifts to Argentina and All Blacks

The Nations Championship window now gives way to a crucial run of fixtures that will test South Africa’s evolving depth.

The Springboks travel to Buenos Aires for a one-off Test against Argentina on 8 August, a match that forms part of their build-up to the “Greatest Rivalry Series” against New Zealand in mid-August.

Erasmus is expected to continue blending established stars with emerging talent as South Africa look to sharpen their systems before facing the All Blacks, their traditional benchmark opponents.

With commanding scorelines, a dominant set piece and valuable game time for newer squad members, Mallett believes the Springboks have laid firm foundations at home – even as they seek defensive refinement ahead of sterner examinations abroad.