Realistic Rassie rubbishes any thoughts of Boks as World Cup favourites: 'No sense doing that'

Hold us to a high standard, but don't think we believe in the favourites tag.

Rassie Erasmus is notably philosophical about the Springboks' prospects of defending the World Cup title they so nobly won in Japan back in 2019.

And understandably so, given that the relatively blank canvas of international rugby in 2023 suggests the showpiece in France will be more competitive than usual.

South Africa go into the season as a dark horse of sorts, undeniably a strong contender but one with an iffy 61.5% win record since lifting the Webb Ellis trophy for a third time.

"We're under no illusions [how competitive this World Cup is going to be]. You have the Wallabies under Eddie [Jones] and the All Blacks present. Ireland are ranked No 1 in the world, France are second," said Erasmus as the Boks continue preparing for the Rugby Championship opener against Australia at Loftus on 8 July.

"Even through to Scotland, who are No 5, it would be stupid to argue that we're carrying the favourite tag. We definitely don't.

"We're not even going to argue in that direction because there would be no sense doing that. Yes, the expectations are definitely higher. We feel it on our shoulders."

The mercurial national director of rugby is also safe in the knowledge that his troops aren't going to read too much into what's being said and written anyway. 

"The nice thing about this group is that we've been together for a really long time," said Erasmus.

"We're very realistic and don't get dragged into what other people are saying. We know, realistically, that in 2019 we were not exactly favourites. If anything, we were underdogs.

"We're world champions and have to try and defend that title. We believe we have as good a chance as anyone to complete that