Springboks will be World Cup contenders, say Jones and Erasmus

FILE PHOTO: South Africa's rugby team new coach Rassie Erasmus gestures during a media briefing in Johannesburg, South Africa, March 1, 2018. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - The Springboks will be strong contenders at next year's World Cup in Japan after recovering from two dismal seasons that produced a number of unwanted records, according to South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus and his England counterpart Eddie Jones.

A rejuvenated Bok side secured a 2-1 home series victory over England this month despite the absence of leading players Warren Whiteley, Eben Etzebeth and Malcolm Marx as the tenure of Erasmus got off to a promising start.