Rassie Erasmus fires back at All Blacks claims ahead of series opener
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Tempo.
Rassie Erasmus has fired back at the All Blacks ahead of Saturday’s series opener at Ellis Park, responding to the growing narrative around New Zealand’s high-tempo approach and the role referees could play in keeping the game moving.
The All Blacks have repeatedly spoken about their desire to play at pace during the Greatest Rivalry tour, with the speed of matches in South Africa becoming a major talking point during their three provincial fixtures.
Erasmus, however, has rejected any suggestion that the Springboks will deliberately attempt to slow Saturday’s Test down in order to disrupt New Zealand.
“New Zealand have played three matches, and there is a narrative out there which is very technical around the speed of the game and slowing it down,” Erasmus said.
Our last two games against New Zealand (in 2025). Go and look at those games; were they slow games?”
The Springboks boss then addressed the confidence coming from the New Zealand camp surrounding their ability to play at a high intensity.
“They are advocating this high intensity rugby and ‘no one can keep up with us’. They are not hiding it; everyone is talking about it. When you analyse them, it shows that in the stats and on the scoreboard.”
Erasmus also offered some fascinating insight into the referee debate ahead of the Test, revealing there is frustration among coaches over changes to the traditional pre-match meetings with officials.
“There is definitely frustration from coaches around the world that you can’t have pre-match meetings with the referee (anymore) if both teams don’t agree. I myself said this week that we don’t need one,” Erasmus said.
“So if you want to get something out there, you have to get it out (in the media) because you cannot talk to the referee.”
The Springboks will face English referee Matthew Carley at Ellis Park, and Erasmus suggested the restrictions around direct communication with officials may explain why certain issues are increasingly discussed publicly before matches.
“So if you want to get something out there, you have to get it out (in the media) because you cannot talk to the referee.”
The comments add another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating build-up as the two great rivals prepare for the first of four consecutive Tests, with Ellis Park followed by meetings in Cape Town, Soweto and Baltimore.
