Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is known as the king of innovation in world rugby, but some of the experiments and innovations have not always been met with universal approval.
Just this past weekend, Erasmus experimented with a new box of tricks that included an open-play lineout formation in a move borrowed from Paul Roos, while the Springboks also purposefully botched the kick off to secure a scrum straight away.
However, it was the deliberate infringement from the kick off that drew quite a widespread backlash as critics suggested such an intentional act was not in the spirit of the game, and effectively a form of cheating.
Taking so social media, though, Rassie Erasmus made the following point: “I guess one can always argue what is against the spirit of the game! Some teams avoid scrums and others make sure they get scrums! Who’s wrong?”
He asked that question with a clip showing Italy trying to avoid a long scrum as the scrumhalf ‘illegally’ fed the ball straight out the back of the scrum in a split second.
When one follower suggested that deliberately breaking the laws of the game is wrong, and normally called ‘cheating’, Erasmus pointed out: “Totally agree, like that scrum feed straight to the 8!”
YOU CAN SEE THE POSTS MADE BY SPRINGBOK COACH RASSIE ERASMUS BELOW:
Meanwhile, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson actually came to the defence of the Springboks’ innovative tactics in their game against Italy.
“That’s the great thing about rugby, you can be innovative, you can use your strengths, and surprise people,” said Robertson.
“It’s pretty unique, isn’t it? We’re talking about it, it’s great for our game.”
When referring specifically to how Manie Libbok kicked the ball forward into the hands of André Esterhuizen, who was standing in an offside position, Robertson suggested it was nothing ‘new’.
“It shows why you’re there – you’re there to scrum, and that’s a big part of our game,” Robertson explained.
“It’s not new, but it shows the intentions, doesn’t it?”
What are your thoughts on the latest Bok tricks?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
