South Africa’s director Rassie Erasmus speaks during a press conference at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris on Tuesday South Africa’s director Rassie Erasmus speaks during a press conference at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris on Tuesday. Picture: Julien de Rosa, AFP
Rassie Erasmus said on Tuesday he was glad the Springboks will be able to fly the South African flag in this weekend's Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
On Tuesday, the country's Sport Minister Zizi Kodwa said they had lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decision.
South Africa has until Friday to update its anti-doping legislation in compliance with new WADA rules but is almost certain to miss the deadline.
"Whatever happened we would be representing South Africa," Erasmus told reporters
"Even if it went the other way the boys would be totally focused on the match.
"We're glad that it's in a way sorted out," he added.
Erasmus's World Cup holders are set to face France captain Antoine Dupont in Paris this weekend.
The influential scrum-half has been given the all-clear to return to full training after fracturing his cheekbone three weeks ago.
"I broke my jaw three times and you can get leaner because you can't eat!" Erasmus joked.
"A lack of fitness won't be a problem for him.
"The surgeon cleared him.
"I have no doubt he will play and will be a big challenge for us to try and contain him," he added.
AFP
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