Erasmus enters fray for Bok job

24 January 2016 - 02:00 By LIAM DEL CARME

The ball may still be in Allister Coetzee's court, but Rassie Erasmus's stock as the man to take over from Heyneke Meyer as Springbok coach is increasing by the week. The Sunday Times understands that the South African Rugby Union (Saru) has had to explore contingencies in the event of Coetzee declaring himself unavailable and Erasmus, say sources, is next in line.story_article_left1There is considerable clamour for Coetzee to take over from Meyer, who resigned last month, but how he will extricate himself from his contractual obligations at the Kobelco Steelers in Japan is unclear.His Japanese team having an iron grip on him is one thing, how interested Coetzee is in a job that holds as much allure as it does peril, is something else.Should Saru fail to lure him back, Erasmus seems the most likely prospect.Eager to reappoint Meyer after the World Cup, Saru wasted valuable time before it became apparent that his continued involvement would attract more vitriol than validation.Erasmus meets the most pressing requirement - he's available.That healready works for Saru will spare the organisation the time and the energy sourcing a new Bok coach.He could take the reins on an interim basis, giving the local governing body enough time to find a permanent replacement.As general manager of rugby, Erasmus is well versed in all aspects of the local game, but whether Saru can convince a man who prefers to operate in the shadows to step onto local sport's most brightly lit stage, remains to be seen.block_quotes_start He is unlikely to want to serve as Springbok coach for four years but may do it until the end of the year block_quotes_endErasmus has displayed a reluctance to perform his duties in public. He was even reticent to lead the Springboks but did so once in a 32-6 defeat to the Wallabies in Brisbane in 1999.To be fair, Gary Teichmann had played his last test the week before and trust was in short supply in the Bok change-room. Erasmus made it clear he wasn't the man to hold the position permanently, leaving Joost van der Westhuizen to take over and lead the team to the World Cup.story_article_right2The former flank may be guided by the same principle in the coaching position. He is unlikely to want to serve as Springbok coach for four years but may do it until the end of the year.With an insatiable work rate, as a player he was sure of hand and foot, while as a coach he has proven astute and innovative. His use of multi-coloured lights at Free State Stadium to signal the next tactical play dimmed just as it started to delight.Erasmus has proved himself one of the most respected coaches on the local firmament.Meyer's successor is likely to be named on or after April 1, when Saru have their next general council meeting. Only the general council can rubber-stamp the appointment.Saru refused comment but an insider said: "We are not in a rush to make this decision."What's important is that we make the right decision."sports@timesmedia.co.za..

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