Dave Rennie fires back at Rassie Erasmus as row continues
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Not impressed.
Dave Rennie has fired back at Rassie Erasmus as the war of words over referees and the speed of the game continues ahead of Saturday’s huge opening Springboks-All Blacks Test at Ellis Park.
The issue has been bubbling throughout New Zealand’s tour, with Rennie previously calling on officials to clamp down on what the All Blacks believe is tactical time-wasting around stoppages and set-pieces.
Erasmus and Springboks technical adviser Jaco Peyper responded on Monday, with the former Test referee pointing out that teams have 30 seconds to form a scrum or lineout once the referee has made the mark.
Rennie has now had his say again and pointed towards New Zealand’s experience during the provincial leg of the tour.
“We’ve played club sides [in South Africa] where it’s been very slow,” Rennie said.
“One of the lineouts against the Sharks took 50 seconds to set. We found the Bulls had a much more positive mindset – there was a lot more ball in play.
“I’m anticipating the Springboks will feel the same way.”
There has also been a change to the way coaches can communicate with referees before Tests, with both coaches now required to be present if a meeting takes place.
Rennie confirmed Erasmus did not believe a meeting with Saturday’s referee Matt Carley was necessary – a position the All Blacks boss agreed with.
“They sent out an email last week around the four key areas, and one of them was the time wasting,” Rennie said.
“Rassie didn’t feel there was any need to meet and I feel the same way, to be honest.
“We’ve had conversations via email, and we’ve got a summary sent to us this morning, so we’re pretty clear.”
The latest exchange adds another layer to the build-up ahead of the first of four Tests between rugby’s two great rivals, with New Zealand making no secret of their desire to play Saturday’s encounter at a high tempo.
