Rassie Erasmus receives glowing endorsement from president of South Africa

After three matches in charge, new Springboks head coach has received a ringing endorsement from His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's current president.

"I just wanted firstly to thank you, on behalf of the country, for having such a great success in the Tests that you've run against England," Ramaphosa is seen telling Erasmus over the phone in a video from SABC News.

"We are very, very proud. The achievement has been phenomenal and the performance of your team has been truly, truly outstanding and you've made us very, very proud. Extremely proud."

"I'm sorry that I've not been able to have time to attend any of the matches, but I know that even in my absence I knew that you would be carrying the support and the great spirit of the people of South Africa so we want to thank you," Ramaphosa continues.

"Secondly, we want to wish you the very best for tomorrow's Test. I have no doubt that you are going to be able to excel and teach the Brits once more a good lesson. You have put together an outstanding squad and you have been doing very well, and we are all very proud of you."

45-year-old former Springbok loose forward Erasmus was named South Africa's new Director of Rugby in June 2017 after coaching stints with Irish PRO14 club Munster and the Bulls and Cheetahs Super Rugby sides.

Erasmus represented South Africa 36 times as a player between 1997 and 2001, captaining the side once.

His inaugural Test series in charge of the national side will conclude Saturday evening, as his Springboks attempt to sweep England 3-0 at Newlands.

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