All Blacks coach Scott Robertson praised Springboks strategist Rassie Erasmus for his recent innovations, following South Africa’s victory over Italy. Robertson highlighted that these tactics are “great” for rugby. In the match played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, South Africa started the game with an unusual strategy. They intentionally conceded a scrum at the kickoff. The fly-half, Manie Libbok, kicked the ball less than ten meters, and André Esterhuizen caught it, although he was in an offside position. The aim of this tactic was to put pressure on the Italians’ game, although they eventually received a free kick for pushing too early in the scrum. Additionally, the Springboks implemented mauls on two occasions during the game. The props lifted the pass receiver in the air, simulating a lineout or awaiting a kickoff. South Africa managed to score a try in both plays.
We’re talking about it, that’s the good thing. It’s quite unique, isn’t it? It’s great for our game.
Scott Robertson
Italy’s coach, Gonzalo Quesada, expressed his discontent with the opening kickoff play, stating that “he didn’t take it very well, they can beat us without needing to use these kinds of tactics”. However, Quesada praised the Springboks’ maul tactic, noting that “they always have some ingenious and pleasant plays in that area… in that zone, there is always something special, different or innovative to surprise the opposition”.We have laws, not rules. They are quite clear, yes or no, and that’s one of those that is subject to interpretation, so we’ll see how the interpretation turns out.
Scott Robertson
Erasmus commented that he had observed a similar maul tactic in school rugby.They tried this maul from the second phase. It’s a good idea because you have to react super fast to take it down directly because as soon as the maul forms and you take it down, you’re collapsing the maul.
Gonzalo Quesada
Erasmus also mentioned that the Springboks’ rivals are already aware of this strategy and that “I think we won’t be able to do it for some matches”. South Africa will face Georgia at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit this weekend. Subsequently, they will kick off the Rugby Championship with two home matches against Australia, in Johannesburg and Cape Town, on August 16th and 23rd, respectively. New Zealand will host South Africa in the Rugby Championship at Eden Park in Auckland on September 5th and at Sky Stadium in Wellington the following weekend. Robertson stated that “everything must be considered” when asked about the possibility of Erasmus using innovative tactics against New Zealand. The All Blacks have started their test campaign with consecutive victories against France. They will conclude their three-match series against France in Hamilton this weekend and kick off their Rugby Championship program with two matches against the Pumas in Argentina.You just get all the benefits of what you get in the lineout, you actually get it if you support in general play.
Rassie Erasmus
