Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus appears to be under pressure, engaging in pre-test actions that suggest an attempt to influence match officials. This comes as the All Blacks prepare for their four-test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks.
The Springboks have held the world’s number one ranking for an extended period and have had a strong record against the All Blacks since 2023, including a victory in the Rugby World Cup final. However, the lead-up to the first test of the series has seen Erasmus and his coaching staff deviate from typical conduct.
Erasmus has a history of attempting to influence referees when he feels pressure. In 2021, he posted a video that critiqued the refereeing performance of Nic Berry during a test between the British and Irish Lions and the Springboks.
Pre-Test Tactics and Responses
The unusual behaviour began when Erasmus appeared at a press conference alongside former referee Jaco Peyper, who serves as the Springboks‘ laws and discipline adviser. Peyper’s role was to clarify the law regarding the time allowed for teams to form a lineout.
During the press conference, Peyper stated that the law allows 30 seconds from when the referee marks the spot to form a lineout, not to put the ball in. He noted that the Springboks had not received negative feedback about slowing down the game in their five matches played this year. Erasmus added that teams could use this time for various actions, including huddling.
A day later, Springboks assistant coach Felix Jones detailed alleged acts of foul play by the All Blacks during their three tour games. Jones mentioned issues at the breakdown, including tucked shoulders and non-wrapping actions, and difficulties scoring from driving mauls due to players pulling or lifting legs. He emphasised the desire for physicality to remain within the laws, citing World Rugby‘s priority on safety.
The All Blacks have been penalised once on this tour for lifting an opponent’s leg in a maul and once for pulling down a maul.
Coaching Dynamics and Media Influence
The pre-game psychological tactics employed by Erasmus and the Springboks are noteworthy because such actions have not been deemed necessary for some time. This suggests a shift in dynamic, particularly with the arrival of Dave Rennie as the new All Blacks coach and the return of Sir Graham Henry as an independent selector.
Former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen commented on Erasmus’s approach, describing him as a “master of sabotage” who uses the media to his advantage. Hansen advised against taking Erasmus’s statements at face value, suggesting he often says one thing and does the opposite.
Sir John Kirwan, another former All Blacks player, suggested a “conspiracy theory” regarding the All Blacks‘ tour games. He believes Erasmus may have instructed provincial teams not to play in a style similar to the Springboks, leading to a lack of preparation for the All Blacks in fundamental aspects of the game. Kirwan noted the absence of high kicks and mauling in these matches.
Kirwan also expressed disappointment that Erasmus kept most of his players in camp rather than releasing them to play for their franchises in the tour games. However, former Springboks record cap holder Victor Matfield disagreed, stating that the Bulls game was a spectacle and that Erasmus’s priority is preparing for the test matches.
Dave Rennie has stated that the All Blacks aim to play a fast game and do not want prolonged stoppages. He expressed hope that officials would recognise tactical attempts to slow the game and allow play to continue. The first of the four tests will take place at Ellis Park on Saturday, with the series concluding in Baltimore, USA.
Source: nzherald.co.nz
