As director of rugby, Erasmus guided the Springboks to World Cup success in both 2019 and 2023, before his title changed to head coach last year. "This was a quick and easy conversation to reach an agreement," said the former Munster chief. "I have always said that I would find it hard to coach any other international team, and I'm very happy to continue as long as the South African public wants me."
But Andy Farrell is a slick operator and would have circled this date in red on his calendar long before Erasmus and his gang touched down at Dublin Airport. He'll no doubt have a few tricks up his sleeve. Ireland, though, have not managed to kick on in quote the same fashion. The loss of Johnny Sexton is still keenly felt and there is an over reliance on some players who are in the autumn of their careers.