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Gio Aplon voices his disagreement with SA Rugby's choice to extend Rassie Erasmus' contract until the 2031 Rugby World Cup. Erasmus, a two-time World Cup-winning coach, secured his deal last December amid speculation of interest from overseas clubs. The 53-year-old seeks stability for his assistant coaches, whose contracts run until the end of the 2027 World Cup. Aplon, who played 17 Tests for the Springboks, acknowledges Erasmus’ success but warns that a prolonged coaching tenure could negatively impact the team. He cites Scott Robertson's recent dismissal from the All Blacks as a cautionary tale. “It’s not personal; it’s about adapting to the evolving landscape of players,” Aplon says. He emphasizes the need for fresh perspectives as the Springboks transition away from their veteran players. The future dynamics of the team could hinge on these changes as they look ahead to the upcoming World Cup in the United States.
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