WTC Final 2025: Shukri Conrad meets Rassie Erasmus ahead of SA vs AUS at Lord's

The South African players are currently preparing for the upcoming WTC final against Australia, which will commence on June 11. The South Africa coaching staff was recently hosted by former Rugby World Champion coach Rassie Erasmus at the alignment camp in Cape Town.

The South African team might have produced some great players, but their record in ICC events has not been the best, and the side has faced several heartbreaks to say the least. It turns out that both South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad and Erasmus had got in touch during the Test series against Pakistan over a ‘Braai’ (South African Barbecue). The duo seemed to have a long discussion over culture, leadership, and pressure. Conrad also mentioned that though the sport they play for is different, the two are playing the same kind of mental game.

“There’s nothing quite like a good braai to break the ice. Rassie and I started talking about culture, pressure, leadership, and before the boerewors (sausage) was done, we both realized we were playing the same mental game, just on different pitches,” Conrad was quoted as saying by IOL.

Being with Rassie and his coaches gave us a mental sharpening: Conrad

Shukri Conrad further talked about the interaction with the Rugby professional and how he has inspired the coaching staff. Conrad also mentioned how the messages and lessons taught by the Rugby World Champion are similar to the ones they are learning in the game of cricket as well.

“It was fascinating. The language might be different—rucks versus reverse swing—but the messages are identical: play for the badge, trust your process, execute under pressure. Being in that room with Rassie and his coaches gave us a mental sharpening. You see what makes champions tick—and it rubs off on you,” the Proteas head coach added.

Erasmus also explained the tough conditions in a Test match, mentioning that the players and the team will be dealing with scrutinized, second-guessing, and sledging for the five days, and it is important for them to remain mentally sharp during the game.

“A Test match lasts five days. That’s five days of being scrutinized, second-guessed, sledged, and still needing to stay mentally sharp. That’s not just skill, that’s spiritual stamina. There’s a lot for us to gain from how they manage that pressure cooker,” Erasmus told.