South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus agrees with Eddie Jones’ ‘honest and fearless’ view on Ireland and World Rugby

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has never been shy to let his opinion be known, and now he has shared his pleasure at the recent take of Eddie Jones on Ireland.

The Springboks and Ireland have become rivals over recent years as they have battled to be ranked the number one rugby team in the world rankings.

However, South African fans will be quick to bring that argument to a premature end due to the nations’ World Cup performances, with the Springboks winning the last two, while the Irish have never got beyond a quarter-final.

Ireland are still one of the biggest nations in the sport, as seen by their recent Six Nations success under both Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell.

Now, the two international sides will be vying to win the inaugural Nations Championship that is set to begin this summer.

The Irish are set to face the Wallabies, Japan and the All Blacks in July, with the first two fixtures set to take place in Sydney and Newcastle in Australia before travelling to New Zealand for the final match.

This has angered Japan’s head coach, Jones, as his side are the hosts for their fixture with Ireland but will have to travel to Australia to play Farrell’s team.

The Brave Blossoms have a 10-hour flight for a ‘home’ game that is sandwiched in between their encounters against Italy and France in Japan.

Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones said: “You know why we’re playing Ireland in Newcastle, right? Ireland have all the power at World Rugby, so we have to play our home game, which should be in Tokyo, in Australia to make sure Ireland doesn't have to travel too much.

“Let’s be frank about this.

“We just have to suck it up, and that’s what happens when you’re not a major political power at the table.”

We dont always agree,but really admire this honesty and no fear mentality 🤝 pic.twitter.com/BAWUUmanII

— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) April 29, 2026

Now Erasmus has given his view on Jones’ comments about the decision for the match between Japan and Ireland to be given to Australia, which will likely favour Farrell’s side.

The Springbok head coach took to X, formerly Twitter, to praise Jones’ openness on the situation and to bring this decision to the media and share his opinion with the fans.

Erasmus posted: “We don’t always agree, but really admire this honesty and no fear mentality,” followed by a handshake emoji and an image of the Japan boss.