Botha was speaking at a Currie Cup trophy tour ahead of the semifinals this weekend, with the Lions hosting the Cheetahs and Bulls welcoming the Sharks for two blockbuster clashes on the Highveld.
The conversation eventually turned towards the Springboks, who are currently going through an unprecedented run of success since Erasmus took over six years ago as head coach, before being SA Rugby Director of Rugby for four years, and is now back as head coach.
In that time the Boks have won back-to-back Rugby World Cups, moving their tally to a record four titles, won the British and Irish Lions series in 2021 and won the Rugby Championship in 2019.
They are now on the verge of a second Rugby Championship title, which they could clinch with six out of six wins for the first time, if they are able to beat Argentina in Santiago and Mbombela in their final two games.
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Denne historien er fra September 14, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
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Djokovic unclear on Murray's job
Novak Djokovic would not commit to working with Andy Murray again as his coach after the Serb retired from the Australian Open semifinals yesterday with injury.
Blitzboks off to flying start
The Blitzboks qualified for the knockout round of the Perth Sevens with a game to spare after they picked up two wins on yesterday's opening day of the tournament.
Weekend focus shifts to the battle for survival
It's a big weekend for all six teams in this year's Betway SA20, with the two bottom-placed teams, the Pretoria Capitals and Durban's Super Giants, in must-win matches today if they're to stand any chance of making it into the play-offs.
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Continental club form very pleasing
I don't know about you but I'm still buzzing over the fact that South African teams are doing well in the Caf inter-club competitions.
Barca have to halt the slide
Barcelona must harness the euphoria of their thrilling Champions League victory at Benfica to halt a miserable run of La Liga form against an improving Valencia side tomorrow.
Rivals look for grunt
DERBY: LIONS & BULLS BOTH ANTICIPATING A MASSIVE PHYSICAL BATTLE
Sinner sets up a classic Zverev decider
Defending champion Jannik Sinner (right) blew past Ben Shelton 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-2 in the Australian Open semifinals yesterday to set up a showdown with Alexander Zverev for the title.
Free Agents dreaming big
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Questioning climate change is reasonable
Just as one can talk of an oil lobby, one can also talk of a climate change lobby.