VIDEO: Rassie's cheeky clap back to high ball critics
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus took to social media to defend an aspect of the game which has been a big talking point in rugby circles lately.
The aerial battle historically has been a key aspect of the Boks’ game, and it was no different during the 2025 Rugby Championship, which South Africa won to go back-to-back in the tournament for the first time in their history.
The Boks’ kicks in play numbers have been the most among the four Southern Hemisphere heavyweights during the tournament (180), with Australia on 147, New Zealand on 153, and Argentina the least on 143.
Currently, the law states that a chasing player should have clear access to the catcher following an aerial bomb to ensure a fair contest, whereas previously, players were protected by their teammates, making it harder for the chaser to reach the catcher.
Japan head coach Eddie Jones, however, feels that a law change needs to be made regarding the high ball, stating that it favours the attacking team too much.
“Everything in the game suits [the Springboks] at the moment,” Jones stated on the DSPN podcast.
“The disruption with the high ball, they got guys like Cheslin Kolbe, it’s interesting that they got two of the smallest wingers in the world, but they are one of the best teams in the world at regaining the ball kicking wise, and then they’ve got backs who can open up quickly.
“I think at some stage, World Rugby is going to have to bring in the disruption law in the high ball that, unless you’re making a genuine attempt to catch the ball, you’re going to penalise them, because otherwise we’re just going to encourage high ball kicking too much.”
Erasmus in turn responded with a video clip on social media platform X where players compete for the high ball with the caption “Really don’t understand what they’re saying, fair contest to gain possession or disrupt? Make up your own mind!”
It’s safe to say Erasmus is all for the current law in place, with the Boks being so effective in that department.
Really dont understand what they saying 🤷🏼♂️ fair contest to gain possession or disrupt? Make up your own mind! pic.twitter.com/cbw3DRludr
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) February 13, 2026
