World Rugby Told to Rein In Rassie Erasmus as Critics Argue He Has Crossed the Line
- The Springbok boss stands accused of operating outside rugby's ethical boundaries while building a global rugby empire
- New Zealand media draws dramatic comparisons between Erasmus and a comic book supervillain
- A mounting list of contentious incidents has raised questions about World Rugby's authority
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The Springboks coach has been likened to a comic book supervillain and urged to be reined in, as critics claim he has crossed the line. New Zealand-based journalist Gregor Paul has penned a scathing critique, calling on World Rugby to act before the influential coach becomes bigger than the game itself.
Claims of Rassie Erasmus' erratic behaviour
Writing for the New Zealand Herald, Paul argued that Erasmus operates within rugby’s laws but outside its spirit, chasing marginal advantages through methods that have left him isolated among his coaching peers.
He pointed to a list of incidents, including the hour-long video critique of referee Nic Berry during the 2021 British & Irish Lions series.
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He also referred to meetings between Erasmus and match officials which, he said, contributed to changes in World Rugby protocols.
"Erasmus has become all-powerful in the global game, a genuine Lex Luthor figure whose cunning genius has been to simultaneously unite swaths of the South African population behind the Springboks and sell them as the people's team," Paul wrote.
"His sometimes erratic and ethically dubious behaviour has alienated him from the global community," Paul added.
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Latest incidents prompt calls for action
Paul further questioned South Africa’s late front-row changes before the second Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
He described the wider pattern as “paranoid rather than clever” and argued that repeated success had created “arrogance and a sense of impunity” within the Springbok camp.
“The crime sheet is reaching epic proportions and when it’s laid out, it makes quite the read,” Paul wrote.
He also argued that Erasmus should at least receive a reprimand over his language during last Saturday’s post-match press conference.
Paul’s comments add to continued debate over where competitive gamesmanship ends and unacceptable conduct begins.
Springboks ring changes for All Blacks decider
Briefly News also reported that Erasmus made four changes and a surprise positional switch to his Springboks starting XV for Saturday's third Test.
The major surprise is Cheslin Kolbe moving from wing to fullback after Damian Willemse's injury.
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Source: Briefly News
