During the podcast, Erasmus was questioned about what thoughts keep him restless at night. His response was layered with concern about potential influences on the team's performance. He expressed,
"Other people might not think about these things, but I do. I’m always asking, ‘Could this influence us? Could that influence us?’ Tomorrow morning we need another plan. Tomorrow evening we need another plan."
More than the outcomes of the games, Erasmus pinpointed a specific fear that transcends the fear of defeat. "One of my biggest fears is…it’s not of losing," he remarked. Despite detesting losses and rooting for victories every Saturday, he highlighted that those were not his primary concern.
The essence of his worry is the potential loss of joy and community spirit that success brings, illustrating how profound the team's impact is on everyday interactions in South Africa. Erasmus said,
"It's that feeling we spoke about – the satisfaction, the joy, that lekker feeling when we’re doing well and people are happy and we’re all smiling. I’m so afraid of that feeling going away – what it means for South Africans."
This sentiment was echoed by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who shared a personal insight from the times when public support was lacking. "For me, it’s because I know what it was like when [that feeling] wasn’t there. It was painful," Kolisi conveyed. He described the stark atmosphere of playing in nearly empty stadiums and the harsh reality of dwindling fan support.
Kolisi also noted the shift in perception and pride among South Africans, particularly those residing abroad, fueled by the team's achievements. "I see South Africans living in first-world countries saying they walk tall and talk proudly because of what this team is doing," he added, emphasizing the broad and significant impact of the Springboks' performance.
As the conversation returned to upcoming challenges, Erasmus expressed his concern over facing a potentially weakened Pumas squad, hinting at the unpredictable nature of international rugby and the continual need for strategic adjustments.
