Rassie Erasmus's underrated mental warfare ahead of Ireland series

From leaving fake play sheets to releasing sarcastic tackling videos, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus is no stranger to the dark arts of professional coaching.

Already one test into their 2024 schedule, the Springboks are looking to keep their winning streak rolling when they face Ireland in a highly anticipated two-test series.

Whilst it is unlikely that Ireland’s resolute head coach Andy Farrell will be drawn into mind games with Erasmus, this has not stopped the Bok coach and his players from attempting to goad his opponents.

Starting with Eben Etzebeth calling out Irish players following the Boks’ loss to the men in green during the Rugby Worlds for what he perceived to be arrogance.

‘I call bulls***’ Andy Goode doesn’t buy Etzebeth’s World Cup story

Following Etzebeth’s interview, his long-term teammate Damian De Allende, who spent time with Irish powerhouse Munster, had an eye-raising interview on the Big Jim Show.

Springbok star Damian De Allende explains the difference between South African and Irish Rugby

Whilst Erasmus has yet to throw any major grenades of his own, he has interestingly taken to X to continue a trend he began at last year’s Rugby World Cup.

Despite gathering a whopping 194.1k followers, Erasmus only follows three accounts.

Given his three opponents in this year’s series are Wales, Ireland and Portugal… You guessed it! Those are the three accounts Erasmus follows in what is an underrated and funny tactic.

Is Erasmus the greatest ‘mind games’ coach in professional rugby? Let us know the funniest off the pitch coaching tactic you’ve seen in the comments below!