Rassie Erasmus explains why he turned down referee meeting ahead of second All Blacks Test
- Thomas Ramos hits out at rugby chiefs over major new rule change - September 14, 2026
- Damian Willemse makes blunt Springboks admission after All Blacks series win - September 14, 2026
- All Blacks hit out at multiple referee decisions following series defeat to Springboks - September 13, 2026
No thanks.
Rassie Erasmus has explained why he turned down the opportunity to take part in a pre-match meeting with referee Nika Amashukeli ahead of Saturday’s second Test between the Springboks and All Blacks in Cape Town.
Under World Rugby’s current protocol, any pre-match meeting with the referee must involve the head coaches of both teams, something Erasmus believes makes it extremely difficult to have a meaningful discussion.
The Springbok coach explained that raising specific areas of concern in front of All Blacks boss Dave Rennie would effectively reveal what South Africa want the referee to focus on during the Test.
“In my opinion, it’s impossible to discuss something with the referee with the other coach present.”
Erasmus used the scrum as an example, explaining that if South Africa were to raise something they believed New Zealand were doing in that area, Rennie would immediately have the opportunity to respond and explain his team’s interpretation.
For Erasmus, that significantly limits the usefulness of the pre-match discussion.
“So what do you discuss with the referee?”
The Springbok boss stressed that his decision was about the structure of the meeting rather than Amashukeli himself.
There will, however, still be an opportunity for Erasmus and Rennie to catch up before Saturday’s Test.
Erasmus revealed that the pair shared a drink following New Zealand’s 33-16 victory at Ellis Park and are hoping to do so again in Cape Town on Friday.
“Dave and I had a beer afterwards, and we’re going to try and catch up on Friday for a beer in Cape Town, when we’re there before the game, but without the referee.”
Erasmus believes there is little value in having the two opposing coaches discuss refereeing matters together before a Test.
“In my opinion, there’s no logic behind two coaches meeting together and discussing the laws with the referees.”
The decision comes ahead of a hugely important second Test for South Africa after the All Blacks took a 1-0 lead in the four-match series in Johannesburg.
Another New Zealand victory would leave the Springboks unable to win the series outright, while a South African win would level matters at 1-1 ahead of the final two Tests.
Erasmus has already confirmed captain Siya Kolisi is fully fit and will return to the starting side in Cape Town, where the Springboks are set to field the most experienced starting XV in their history.
