“You Can Keep Poking The Bear, Mate” – Stuart Hogg Responds To Rassie’s Video

Sideshow.

The British and Irish Lions have continued to remain relatively coy when asked about Rassie Erasmus’ stunning one-hour-long video that surfaced online yesterday morning.

The Springbok director of rugby released an unprecedented video to the public, lambasting the officiating errors that he feels went against South Africa in their opening Test defeat to the Lions last weekend.

Stuart Hogg, who starts at fullback once again this weekend, was up for media this morning and says the Lions players haven’t even seen the video.

The Scotland international says the only thing he’s focusing on right now is tomorrow’s second Test.

“You can keep poking the bear, mate. I ain’t gonna jump on this,” Hogg said when asked about Rassie’s video for a second time.

“The only thing I’m focusing on is tomorrow.”

Ben O’Keefe will be the man with the whistle this weekend and Hogg had nothing but praise for the New Zealander.

“For me, in the short time I’ve been Scotland captain, Ben O’Keeffe has been one of the best refs I’ve had to deal with,” Hogg said.

“Because he almost coaches you around the field at the same time, we ask questions and he’s very calm in his answers.

“He’s good at communicating and that’s why a large majority of the games where he’s involved, they’re allowed to flow and get on with it. He helped me massively in the couple of games we’ve had him when I’ve been leading the side.

“I think everyone’s entitled to their opinions, but the refs are the ones that run the game. They have a huge amount of respect from us as players. I’d hate to do the job if I’m honest. Ben’s been one of the best refs I’ve had to deal with as captain.

As for the game itself, Hogg is confident the Lions can get the job done.

“We believe we can go out there tomorrow and put in a performance that will win us the test match and the series,” Hogg added.

“We’re fully aware of the challenges coming our way, they’re a highly motivated and emotional side that will throw the kitchen sink at us tomorrow. But it’s been a great opportunity to concentrate on ourselves, that we get everything right on both sides of the ball.

“We enjoy this opportunity and the challenge coming out way. I couldn’t tell you the last time the Lions went 2-0 up in a series. We have to make sure we get every quarter right in the game and give ourselves every opportunity.

“I’d like to speak on behalf of the Lions camp, we’re massively excited for the next couple of days.”

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