Nigel Owens says the outrage aimed at Rassie Erasmus is unfair and the Springbok boss has broken no rules with his off-field tactics in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Writing for WalesOnline, the former referee sympathises with Erasmus and All Blacks rival Dave Rennie over their frustration at new World Rugby protocols requiring both head coaches to attend pre-match meetings with officials.
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Owens argues coaches previously used those private sessions to flag tactical concerns without tipping off their opponents, saying that changes have pushed grievances into the media that create narratives before matches as well as complicate matters for referees.
On Erasmus naming a team days out from last week’s second Test of the series before making late changes, the Welshman says the two-time World Cup winner stayed within the limits given this series falls outside normal 48-hour selection requirement.
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“Mind games are nothing new when it comes to coaches, particularly when someone as colourful a character as Erasmus is involved,” he writes.
“I have seen plenty of people accusing Erasmus of going against the spirit of the game for his actions ahead of the second Test, making several tactical alterations to his starting team ahead of kick-off, having announced it days earlier.
“I can understand why such accusations have been made, but I don’t agree with them myself. Ultimately, he didn’t break any rules.”
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
The post Nigel comes out in defence of Rassie appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Nigel Owens says the outrage aimed at Rassie Erasmus is unfair and the Springbok boss has broken no rules with his off-field tactics in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
The post Nigel comes out in defence of Rassie appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
