Matt Williams Hits Back at Rassie Erasmus: “Always the Sign of a Weak Argument” in Springboks Feud

• Former Scotland coach Matt Williams has hit back at Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus after being mocked online
• The feud was sparked by Williams’s scathing comments about South Africa’s playing style, which he labelled an “abomination” during a recent interview
• Erasmus’s blunt online response triggered a flood of backlash from South African fans, who fiercely defended the Boks

Former Scotland coach and longtime Springboks critic Matt Williams has fired back at Rassie Erasmus after the South African director of rugby mocked him on social media.

Williams has consistently criticised South Africa’s tactical approach, particularly the controversial use of the "Bomb Squad", a tactic involving a powerful bench rotation, which he believes goes against the spirit of the game.

What is the root of the latest feud?

His latest remarks were made during an interview on Off The Ball podcast, on Monday July 28 2025 where he labelled the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa “an abomination” and one of the worst international rugby spectacles he had ever witnessed.

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“The South African tour was one of the worst ever,” Williams said.

“The games were dreadful, and the way both management teams conducted themselves was disgraceful. Rassie was running on the field as a water carrier. There was a leaked video criticising referees, making calls behind the scenes… and the style of rugby was an abomination. All they did was kick across the field and chase it. It wasn’t played in a good spirit. It was aggressive, I have no problem with aggression, but it lacked the essence of rugby.”

Erasmus, never one to shy away from an online duel, responded with a cutting post on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a screenshot of a Google search result that highlighted Williams’s poor coaching record. The image read:

“Matt Williams, the rugby union coach, had a 17.65% win percentage during his tenure coaching Scotland. He coached the team in 17 matches, winning only 3 of them. Two of those wins were against Tier 2 nations, Japan and Samoa, according to Wikipedia.”

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In retaliation, Williams hit back directly at Erasmus on X, writing:

“Hi Rassie, playing the man and not the ball again? Always the sign of a weak argument.”

How did South Africans react

While the back-and-forth drew plenty of attention, it was the online reaction from South Africans and rugby fans globally that lit up the timeline. Below are some of the most notable responses:

@MagellanCrest:

"Any chance we can get you via @PS_Speakers to do the Springboks' motivational talk before the November internationals?"

@AntAlbers:

"Hi Matt, you wouldn't recognise a strong rugby argument if someone spelt it out to you in words of two syllables. Sit down."

Watch the video below:

@1992sFinest:

"It’s just not in the spirit of the game, Matt. World Rugby has to step in. How dare Rassie play the man!"

@KenobiLb1:

"🍿"

@Chillibaub:

"If it wasn't for X, I wouldn't have known who Matt Williams was. Can you say the same about Dr Rassie? I even know Gary Armstrong – imagine that."

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@ChristoDP13:

"That’s probably the weakest response one could have expected."

Watch the video below:

@Moeriusie:

"You lost again. 🤡"

@DilligafDave01:

"You had your shot. Now it's Rassie's turn."

@louwjl:

"Oh, here’s a door you left wide open. You attacked the full Springbok squad, coaching staff, and South African fans. You’ve fired up a whole country to support the Boks even more. Thanks, Matty. 🤡

Watch the video below:

@Broughty80:

"Matt, you brought the Boks into your conversation and aggressively mocked our style of play – then expect zero reaction? Wake up, pal."

@M4ttOCrypto:

"Wait till you realise the only reason they give you air time is because your opinions are bad and cause controversy."

@iamsymsie:

"If I were as bad at my job as you are, I wouldn't be dishing out advice to others."

@MaxPatricius:

"Stay out of the kitchen if you can't handle the heat. You have no grasp of the concept of winning or sportsmanship, squire."

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@pavlovs_khat:

"No, he's playing the 'kant.' Within the rulebook of internet banter, he is well within his rights."

Erasmus in contract talks with SARU

Briefly News previously reported that Rassie Erasmus is reportedly in negotiations with SA Rugby (SARU) over a potential contract extension beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

His current deal is set to expire after the global showpiece, but Rapport reports that at least two overseas clubs are closely monitoring the situation and could make a move for the 58-year-old.

Source: Briefly News