Although the AI-generated video could be entirely fake, a new clip circulating online depicting Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus singing for the Webb Ellis Cup has the potential to become very popular.
This video parodies a famous scene from the movie 'White Chicks,' where Terry Crews enthusiastically sings Vanessa Carlton's song 'A Thousand Miles' in a convertible.
In this AI-created version, a digital likeness of the Springboks coach replaces Crews, performing the track directly for the trophy.
Even while acknowledging that the clip is artificial, the light musical performance does not seem entirely out of character for Erasmus.
The Springboks head coach has often shown his playful side on social media, previously posting videos where he dances to local hits such as 'Sister Bethina.' Furthermore, Erasmus was part of the 1999 Rugby World Cup Springboks squad, which filmed a memorable parody of running on the beach mocking the famous opening scene from the movie 'Chariots of Fire.'
The viral clip emerged against the backdrop of the Springboks trying to recover after their 42–38 loss to Australia in Perth over the weekend. Much of the post-match discussion focused on the 13 lineup changes Erasmus made before the game, which ultimately led to the world champions losing to the resilient Wallabies team.
Before the setback in Perth, the Boks had achieved success after winning the test series 3–1 against the All Blacks—a historic series comprising three matches in South Africa and a final match in Baltimore, USA.