Rassie pours cold water on rumours of Ireland move: 'I am not following Jacques'

In Paris

National director of rugby Rassie Erasmus quickly moved to quell rumours of him moving to Ireland after the Rugby World Cup, saying there's no truth to that.

The Irish Rugby Football Union's (IRFU) director of rugby position is up for grabs as Australian David Nucifora will finish his contract in 2024.

Erasmus is contracted to SA Rugby until 2025 while Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will be joining Leinster after the World Cup.

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Erasmus said there haven't been any talks between him and the IRFU.

"No, I won't be. There have been no talks and there is no truth in that," Erasmus said.

"I am not sure where it started, but definitely not. I haven't chatted with them, and I am definitely not following Jacques."

With the Springboks facing Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, the Boks have a big target in Johnny Sexton to deal with.

Sexton, who plays for Leinster, is a critical cog in Ireland's line-up and was taken off at half-time on Saturday during Ireland's 59-16 win against Tonga in Nantes.

The winner of Saturday's game will decide who wins Pool B, with Erasmus saying that Sexton will play a massive role in the outcome of the game.

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"He is vital, in my opinion. When I was at Munster, we beat them (Leinster, where Sexton plays) once," Erasmus said.

"Whenever Johnny is in the team a lot of things happen, not just as a player, I think the aura around him and his presence.

"For a man at 38 to score tries like he did this weekend ... As long as he is physically out there, there is no doubt about (his influence).

"The