Rassie Erasmus to resume 'water boy' duties against Argentina confirms South Africa coach

South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus is set to continue his pitch-side 'water boy' role for the second round of the Rugby Championship game against Argentina to be played in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Erasmus' role was under scrutiny during the series against the British and Irish Lions where he was acting as a stand-in water boy and was still seen leading the coaching staff alongside Jacques Nienaber.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland slammed Erasmus' role along with former England coach Sir Clive Woodward, who also criticised the 48-year-old.

“Last night he is a water boy and running on the pitch. I think if you are the water boy carrier running onto the pitch you have got to make sure you are carrying water," said Gatland.

“I didn’t understand what his role was. You don’t run onto the pitch giving messages and stuff if you are the water boy without carrying the water. My advice is to make sure he is carrying water the next time he does that.”

As the Springboks director of rugby missed the opening round of the Rugby Championship due to personal reasons, Duane Vermeulen was seen filling his role but nevertheless Nienaber will be hoping to have the expertise of Erasmus for the Saturday's encounter.

“Due to the logistical stuff, Rassie couldn’t be with us last weekend and he was with his family," said Nienaber.

“I was lucky enough to have my family with me in the bubble but he wasn’t. We had Duane (Vermeulen) running the water boy role this past weekend but Rassie is back with us and has followed the right protocols and hopefully will be in his post again.

“I believe he will.”