Mark Watson has accused the Springboks of planning every trick in the book – even faking injury – to thwart the All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Speaking on Sports Nations NZ, the outspoken New Zealand radio personality Watson claimed Rassie Erasmus’ world champions would resort to manufactured stoppages to disrupt the Kiwis’ high-paced game plan.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, who has named a 44-man squad for the tour, has prioritised tempo since replacing Scott Robertson.
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“We play an expansive style of rugby. No side in the world can keep up with us in the way we play, our fitness and our athleticism, and that is our DNA,” Watson said.
“South Africa will do everything to slow it down.
“We will see injury being feigned. We will see contact lenses coming out and needing to be put back in, like the Irish did – this will be done purely to give themselves a break, try and recover, try and get their breath back.”
Watson pointed to Ireland’s tactics in their win over the All Blacks at Eden Park as a blueprint he expects the South Africans to follow, and called for strong officiating to prevent it.
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“We are going to need a very good, tough, hard referee who’s going to see through the BS and continue the game,” he added.
“A rugby side should not be punished because of a strength and skill set they bring to a game.
“You watch the South Africans. They will push the grey. They will be legally correct and morally corrupt.”
During New Zealand’s squad announcement on Monday, Rennie declined to address such tactics directly but confirmed his staff would raise the issue with match officials during the eight-match series.
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
The post Kiwi shock jock takes a shot at Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Mark Watson has accused the Springboks of planning every trick in the book – even faking injury – to thwart the All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
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