During the press conference on Monday preceding the first match of the greatest rivalry in rugby, Rassie Erasmus took center stage alongside rules advisor Jacques Pepper. This marked the beginning of a psychological battle between Erasmus, his All Blacks colleague Dave Rennie, and referee Matteo Carling, who will officiate the game on Saturday.
The greatest rivalry in rugby
Typically, the Monday press conference during match week involves the Springboks assistant coach and one of the players, but this Monday was different. Erasmus himself addressed the press, initiating the verbal sparring.
Erasmus openly stated that it is now 'almost impossible' to speak with the referee before the match due to a new World Rugby directive. This directive requires both coaches to coordinate a meeting with the match official and attend it together; individual discussions with referees are no longer permitted.
Acknowledging that issues he could previously raise confidentially must now be voiced publicly, Erasmus did just that. He responded to the narrative coming from New Zealand that the Springboks are slowing down the pace of the game.
He countered by noting: 'In five games this season, we have not received a single comment that we are slowing down the game.' He suggested that the All Blacks might be playing against teams in pre-season preparation mode, comparing it to Super Rugby training matches in January.
Erasmus also pointed out that the inability to meet with the referee privately hinders warning the official about tactical matters. He explained that in usual meetings, one can inform the referee: 'Listen, we can do a midfield maul, just keep that in mind, know the rules about it.' However, this is now impossible because another coach's presence is required.
He added that one cannot say: 'Listen, we can do a front-pile in the out line, maybe don't stand there when we do a front-pile, because you might not see if it's an obstruction.' Thus, preparing the referees for the team's actions becomes very difficult, and he understands the All Blacks' concerns. He concluded that if they truly believe the team is slowing down the game, they cannot state this at a meeting involving his team, and then they will contest that assertion.
Therefore, in his view, appealing to the media is a natural way to express an opinion. Erasmus expressed incomprehension regarding the reasons for this change, noting that many international coaches share his view. He admitted that there is a gap between coaches, scrum coaches, and referees regarding minor tactical details, and the media is becoming the only option for expressing opinions.
Furthermore, Erasmus highlighted the tackle area as an area that could be decisive in Saturday's match. He emphasized that the 'hard breakdowns' will be the most challenging part for them, noting that the players have already faced this at the franchise level.
