AUDIO: Rassie blasts Mallett over 'inaccurate' statements
South Africa’s Director of Rugby Johan Erasmus has taken to Twitter to blast former Springbok coach Nick Mallett over a series of inaccurate statements on television.
In his latest outburst on his social media channel, Erasmus said: “[I] wish they will just ask for the truth first, before they give ‘expert opinions’.”
This follows a number of contentious statements made by Mallett, now a television pundit.
On a weekly TV show called Final Whistle, Mallett, former Bok assistant coach Swys de Bruin, along with former Bok hookers Hanyani Shimange and Owen Nkumane debated the state of the South African game.
Mallett levelled criticism at Erasmus, suggesting he was not doing his job as a Director of Rugby.
“That’s part of the Director of Rugby’s job,” Mallett said in the most recent episode.
“That’s Rassie’s job,” he added.
“His job is to bring coaches through and bring referees through. It’s a very big job that he has got.
“He shouldn’t be on social media talking about the Springboks. He should be doing his job properly.’
Erasmus, in his response in the early hours of Saturday morning, said he “could not sleep” because of Mallett’s comments.
* Listen to the full audio of Erasmus’ rant at the bottom
“It’s the things that you said without any substance behind it,” Erasmus said at the start of his rant.
“Nick, I am just going to tell you straight up – you don’t know what a rugby director [sic] is or what his job is.
“I am not appointing coaches. Go read the thing. I have no authority in appointing coaches.”
He moved on to other subjects he took issue with.
“I do have a programme running called the ‘Fast Tracking of Elite Black Players’.
“These are players who haven’t had the opportunity in Super Rugby or the URC and we are fast-tracking them. We have a sponsor for that programme and we are proud of them.
“The thing you talk about players running sideways, we have EPD [Elite Player Development] systems from Under-15 where players learn those things.
“Some players learn it well, some not so well. I would urge you to go and sit with Louis Koen and the EPD managers, who without any budget are running those programmes to make sure those players get better.”
Erasmus also took issue with Mallett saying the Director of Rugby must stop using social media.
“You talk about that I must get the referees right and stop tweeting.
“The Springboks are the most important thing. That’s my first priority. I will do anything to make the Springboks win.
“Please don’t stop me at anything there.
“We are bringing referees through, but it has to be accepted by World Rugby. If you can help in any way there, it will be really, really great.”
Erasmus concludes that he is not looking for a confrontation and that he ‘loves’ Mallett.
“Nick, I am not going to fight with you in any way.
“I am just saying, between what’s happening on the ground and what you guys are showing on television, somewhere there is a truth.
“I would suggest that you hang close to that truth, because currently you are far away and are missing the ball by quite a distance.”
“Obviously, you know me well. I love you and I thought you’re a guy with big [inaudible term] but, unfortunately, my man, I will have to rectify you and send you some stats and get this [voice note)]out there.
“You can’t talk this *** to the people.”
* Listen to the full audio of Erasmus’ rant
Wish they will just ask for the truth first before they give ‘expert opinions’ pic.twitter.com/32dcX6m6Ng
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) February 11, 2023
