Springboks Accused of ‘Scrummage Murder’ As Kiwi Journalist Reveals Rassie’s Dark Arts
- A veteran New Zealand journalist has made a striking assessment of the Springboks’ approach during their 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks
- The scrum battle became a major talking point, with several decisions leaving New Zealand questioning how the contests were being officiated
- Mark Reason believes Rassie Erasmus and his team have developed an edge that once belonged to the All Blacks
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The Springboks have been accused of getting away with “scrummage murder” during their 3-1 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series victory over the All Blacks, with veteran New Zealand journalist Mark Reason questioning South Africa’s scrum tactics and Rassie Erasmus’ approach.
Writing for Stuff on 14 September 2026, Reason argued that South Africa had adopted tactics once associated with New Zealand.
“The Springboks have mastered the dark arts the All Blacks once dominated, and it could cost New Zealand at the World Cup,” he wrote.
Reason then delivered his strongest assessment of the series, arguing that South Africa’s advantage came from exploiting the finer details of the contest.
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“South Africa got away with scrummage murder in this test series, but they got away with it because they outsmarted the refs and they outsmarted the All Blacks.”
Rassie Erasmus and the scrum battle
Reason specifically highlighted South African loosehead Ox Nché, questioning several scrum decisions during the third Test.
He argued that some of Nché’s movements appeared to escape punishment, while New Zealand received penalties for comparable technical infringements.
The journalist also pointed to the Springboks’ relationship with former international referee Jaco Peyper, claiming South Africa studies officials closely and prepares around their individual tendencies.
Reason described this as part of the tactical sophistication that has helped South Africa succeed on the international stage.
“There was a time when the All Blacks were the smartest guys in the room,” he wrote. “The wheel has now turned. South Africa are now the smartest guys in the room.”
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All Blacks warned ahead of 2027 World Cup
Reason’s argument comes as New Zealand looks towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
He acknowledged that the All Blacks have several areas to improve, including their aerial work, tackling, discipline and lineout. However, he believes their relationship with officials also requires attention.
All Blacks assistant coach Neil Barnes echoed the debate, questioning some refereeing decisions during the fourth Test.
Ultimately, Reason argued that South Africa’s advantage lies in understanding the fine margins of Test rugby and exploiting opportunities when they arise.
Steve Hansen’s refereeing comments add to the scrum debate
Briefly News previously reported that former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had also highlighted the fine margins that appeared to favour South Africa during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast on 14 September 2026, Hansen said several moments across the Tests had swung in the Springboks’ direction. He particularly pointed to the final Test, saying South Africa had received “a couple of rubs of the green” with some refereeing calls.
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Source: Briefly News
