Rassie Erasmus, the South Africa director of rugby, has accused French players of engaging in theatrics to get opponents penalised.
South Africa are trying to become the first team to win the World Cup four times, while defending their title as world champions for the first time in their history. Meanwhile, France are desperate to stay in their home tournament and cap an incredible rise under head coach Fabien Galthie.
While expressing his respect for the French team and their defence coach Shaun Edwards, Erasmus couldn’t resist speaking his mind during a press conference.
“The French do not play a reckless game where they are on the edge of being too physical with high hits. But what I think they do well is when they get hit close to the high tackle line, they really show that to the referee. They do simulate sometimes a little bit, which is clever, you know. Sometimes, when the referee comes, they go down or, you know, the TV replays doesn’t work at that specific time I think they’re very clever at that they’re very good at that,” Erasmus said.
Erasmus frequently shares his opinions on significant rugby matters through his social media platform was banned from rugby for a year due to his controversial long hour video hitting out at refereeing decision behaviour.
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His recent statement regarding France is bound to heighten tensions in anticipation of the thrilling World Cup quarter-final match (South Africa vs France) on Sunday at State de France. However, it is still unclear what specific incidents involving French players Erasmus was referring to.
Hosts and holders collide ⚔️#RWC2023 | #FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/bWZXBx2jnO
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 7, 2023
South Africa have a fully fit squad to pick from for France.. As for Les Bleus, they are expected to reinstate their captain, Antoine Dupont, for the quarter-final showdown since he has recovered from a cheekbone injury.
France captain Antoine Dupont has moved a significant step closer to playing in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final vs South Africa after being cleared to resume full training by the surgeon who operated on his fractured cheekbone ➡️ https://t.co/WMNTQRnMd8 #AFPSports pic.twitter.com/zPlyUXdYDW
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) October 9, 2023
”I don’t think lack of fitness will be a problem. I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen him sweat on the field. He’s so emotionless when he plays and he always looks so in control. Obviously he’s the captain and the whole of France has respect for him,” Erasmus said of Dupont.
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The director’s remarks are likely to add more pressure to New Zealand official Ben O’Keeffe, who is set to officiate the France vs. South Africa match this weekend.
