Rassie Erasmus Explains Why Pre-Match Referee Meeting With All Blacks Coach Makes No Sense
- Rassie Erasmus addressed World Rugby's new match officials communication protocol ahead of the second Test against the All Blacks
- The Springboks coach revealed he plans to share a beer with All Blacks coach Dave Rennie in Cape Town on Friday
- Erasmus questioned what two rival coaches could realistically discuss in front of a referee without compromising their game plans
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Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has once again raised doubts about World Rugby's match officials communication protocol, describing it as a near-impossible framework for genuine pre-match dialogue.
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Speaking on Tuesday ahead of Saturday's second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town, Erasmus argued that the current arrangement, which requires both coaches to be present simultaneously for any alignment meeting with the referee, strips the process of any practical value.
Erasmus questions referee meeting protocol
Under World Rugby's updated regulations, a coach can only hold a pre-match alignment call with the referee if the opposing coach also agrees to attend. Erasmus confirmed that, as a result, not a single such meeting has taken place this season.
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"In my opinion, it's impossible to discuss something with the referee with the other coach present," he said.
"I'm going to say, 'Listen, we are concerned about this in the scrums,' and he's going to say, 'But we do this in the scrums'. You might say, 'These guys really clean out well at the breakdown … will you be looking at that?' But you can't have that discussion in front of the referee because then the opposition coach knows that's what you're looking at."
He concluded bluntly:
"So what do you discuss with the referee? Boys, are you going to play within the laws? The laws of the game are the laws, so it's almost impossible."
Beer With Rennie, but no referee invited
Saturday's Test at DHL Newlands will be refereed by Georgian official Nika Amashukeli. Rather than seeking a formal pre-match meeting, Erasmus said the Springboks are concentrating on factors within their control.
The coach drew a clear distinction between formal and informal engagement, noting that a relaxed catch-up with All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie is an entirely different matter. The two shared a beer following the first Test at Ellis Park, and Erasmus confirmed plans to do the same in Cape Town on Friday.
"Dave and I had a beer (after the Ellis Park Test), and we're going to try and catch up on Friday for a beer in Cape Town," Erasmus said.
"But without the referee. In my opinion, there's no logic behind two coaches meeting together and discussing the laws with the referees."
As seen in the post below on X.
The second Test between South Africa and New Zealand kicks off on Saturday as the Springboks look to extend their series lead.
Springboks legend reacts to defeat against All Blacks
Briefly News previously reported that Springboks legend Kobus Wiese responded publicly after South Africa lost 33-16 to the All Blacks at Ellis Park on 22 August 2026
The defeat saw the Springboks concede five tries to one and drop their top World Rugby ranking for the first time since August 2025
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Source: Briefly News
