CJ: Rassie will find another 'loophole'
REACTION: World Rugby is fighting a losing battle if they think they are going to keep coaching staff from sending messages onto the field.
This is the reaction of former Baby Bok and Ireland Test star Christiaan Johan Stander.
He was asked about the World Rugby announcement this week that a new trial law – effective from July 1 – will be implemented to limit the opportunities for non-playing personnel to access the pitch.
According to the international governing body, the new regulation aims to ‘improve the flow of matches’ by reducing unnecessary stoppages without compromising welfare.
World Rugby also added that the two dedicated water carriers “cannot be a Director of Rugby or head coach”.
Erasmus was at the centre of the ‘water boy’ saga during South Africa’s two-one series win over the British and Irish Lions in Cape own last year.
Most of the scrutiny came from the Northern Hemisphere kvetchers, suggesting that he was acting as an on-field coach.
Despite the outcry, Erasmus and the Springboks were following the law which, at the time, stipulated that only the head coach was prevented from being on the field.
“I saw his tweet, his comeback [to World Rugby],” a smiling Stander told a virtual media briefing – when asked about the change in the law.
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“There are always ways around it,” the now-retired loose forward said, adding: “To get that technical advantage and it is an advantage to have your coach, Director of Rugby or someone [else] that is knowledgeable on the side of the field.
“Lots of teams have coaches next to the side of the pitch, running eater. It depends on who it is.
“I don’t think they will ever clamp it down entirely – not having that happening.
“It is good to get those messages onto the field.
“When I was playing – as captain or just a player – it was always good to get those messages from someone who is viewing the game from a different perspective.
“I can see why they want to clamp it down.
“There is always going to be a way around it and I feel it helps the game.
“Not just him [Rassie]. I am talking in general.
“When I was playing we had French coaches running around with water.
“It makes the decisions easier and gives you a confirmation when you make decisions.”
Stander, 32, played for the Baby Boks and 50-odd games for the Bulls, before moving to Limerick in 2012.
Not only did he play more than 150 games for Munster, but also earned 50-odd Ireland caps and played for the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2017.
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#NEWS: @WorldRugby‘s to approve new laws for water carriers
💢 “Water carriers cannot be a Director of Rugby or Head Coach”@rugbyworldcup https://t.co/oQXJx1UpqT— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) May 17, 2022
