Murray Mexted bleeds black. The former number eight gave everything to the All Blacks jersey during his playing days. He fought for every metre and never shied away from the battle. His legacy remains woven into the proud history of New Zealand rugby. Yet, Saturday’s heavy defeat against the Springboks in Wellington cut deep.
Mexted admitted it hurts to see the All Blacks humiliated on home soil. The South Africans controlled every aspect of the match. The record loss shocked supporters across the country. For Mexted, the humiliation stung even more, given his immense love for the team.

All Blacks legend Murray Mexted praises the Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus
After the match, Mexted turned his attention to the Springboks coaching staff. He singled out Rassie Erasmus for special praise. “Rassie Erasmus is a cunning rooster,” Mexted declared with admiration. The All Blacks legend emphasised Erasmus’s ability to recognise talent.
He said the coach saw the value of working with Tony Brown. Brown, a New Zealander, has transformed the Springboks’ attack. Since joining the staff, he has encouraged a faster, more expansive style.
Mexted described the change as incredible. He stressed how Brown’s influence has added creativity to South Africa’s play. The Springboks now mix their traditional power with flair.
Erasmus deserves credit for embracing that shift. According to Mexted, the link was inevitable. Erasmus knew Brown’s qualities from past encounters.
Their partnership has strengthened South Africa’s coaching group. Mexted acknowledged that this tactical evolution embarrassed the All Blacks in Wellington. The Springboks looked ruthless, composed, and brilliantly coached.
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The post ‘Rassie Erasmus is a cunning rooster’: All Blacks legend Murray Mexted praises the Springboks coach appeared first on iHarare News.