Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus speaks at a media conference on 8 July 2025 about coming home to Nelson Mandela Bay for a Test match against Italy. (Photo: Deon Ferreira) 
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says he thought it was a joke when he first saw a petition calling for the R75 between Gqeberha and his hometown of Despatch to be renamed in his honour.
“A friend sent me pictures of this petition and I thought it was generated with AI or something. I couldn’t believe it,” the Springbok coach said with a laugh.
But when journalists at a press conference ahead of the Boks’ clash with Italy in Nelson Mandela Bay asked him about the suggested name change, Erasmus said the fans’ faith in him and the support for the team were inspiring.
“I find it difficult to talk about myself, but it’s nice to hear people discussing things like this. I love hearing what the people have to say about me and the team, and it’s great to check social media and to be in touch with what the public thinks of us.”
Read more: After four years, the Boks are back in Gqeberha for a Test with deep local roots
Besides Erasmus, Nelson Mandela Bay’s first Test match in four years will be a homecoming of sorts for several players in the team. No 11 wing Makazole Mapimpi, who hails from Mdantsane, said he was very excited to play his 47th match in the Friendly City.
“We don’t come here often, and coming here is always exciting. The people love to see us play, and I am just happy that I get to play here in my home province,” Mapimpi said.
In the starting line-up with him will be flyhalf Manie Libbok, who was born just around the corner in Humansdorp.
Fans will, however, be sad to know that hometown hero Siya Kolisi will not be donning the number six jersey this week.
Erasmus said that while he knows Kolisi wants to play in front of his home crowd, resting him for another week after coming back from injury might be the smarter choice.
“I never got to play a Test match here, in the old Boet Erasmus Stadium. I think the closest I got was playing against Canada in East London.
“I know how much it means for the guys to come home. It’s lekker here and we know how the people operate,” Erasmus said.
“While we are here, I would like to go to Despatch and visit some old friends. I’m just afraid they will ask for their ticket money back if we don’t play well,” Erasmus laughed. DM