‘Master of Sabotage’: World Cup-Winning All Blacks Coach Takes Aim at Rassie Erasmus
- Rassie Erasmus has attracted plenty of attention as anticipation builds for the Springboks’ latest battle with New Zealand
- A familiar voice from the All Blacks’ past has now offered his own take on the Bok coach’s pre-Test approach
- The latest comments add another layer of intrigue to an already intense build-up at Ellis Park
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Rassie Erasmus’ reputation for keeping opponents guessing has come under the spotlight again, this time from World Cup-winning former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
With the Springboks and New Zealand preparing for Saturday’s opening Test, Hansen believes the All Blacks should be wary of placing too much importance on Erasmus’ public comments.
Speaking on the DSPN podcast, Hansen described the Springbok coach as a “master of sabotage”.
“He's the master of sabotage, sending it one way and then going the other,” Hansen said according to KickOff Rugby.
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“So, personally, I wouldn't be taking too much notice of what he says.”
A lesson from last year’s tests
Hansen’s comments come after Erasmus referenced South Africa’s contrasting encounters with New Zealand last year. The Springboks were beaten at Eden Park before producing a 43-10 victory in Wellington.
Rather than attempting to predict which version of South Africa will arrive at Ellis Park, Hansen believes New Zealand should remain focused on its own preparation.
“I'd just be concentrating on what I do know. But more importantly, I'd be concentrating on how I want us to play,” he said.
Ellis Park awaits the rivals
Hansen also suggested Erasmus’ comments form part of the spectacle surrounding one of rugby’s biggest rivalries.
“Rassie, you know, he does that for all the fans. All of us fans jump into that bit,” he said.
The first Test of the Greatest Rivalry series takes place at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August, with kick-off at 17:10 South African time.
The pre-match debate will soon give way to the contest itself.
Source: Getty Images
Rassie Erasmus faces fresh questions over referee communication
Briefly News previously reported that Rassie Erasmus had explained why coaches are increasingly turning to the media when they want to raise concerns about refereeing.
The Springbok coach said changes to World Rugby’s protocols have reduced opportunities for direct discussions between coaches and match officials, creating what he described as a “gap” in communication.
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Source: Briefly News
