World Rugby's verdict on Rassie's innovations against Italy
NEWS: World Rugby have finally revealed its stance on the latest debate surrounding the Springboks and their tactics against Italy in Gqeberha last weekend.
South Africa began their 45-0 victory over Italy by intentionally conceding a scrum at the kick-off; flyhalf Manie Libbok kicked the ball less than 10 metres, and André Esterhuizen caught it having been offside three metres in front of him.
The move backfired when Thomas du Toit gave away a free-kick for an early push at the subsequent scrum.
Erasmus later admitted it was an attempt to start the game with a scrum.
Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada was not a fan of the tactic: “I was really surprised, and I didn’t take it very well. I think they can beat us without resorting to these kinds of tactics.”
Thus far, the tactic has divided the rugby fraternity, and a request was made to World Rugby for clarification of the incident under Law 9.7(a), which states: “A player must not intentionally infringe any law of the game.”
World Rugby have now said that it should, in fact, have been a penalty to Italy for a deliberate failure on the part of the Springboks.
The governing body said: “The actions seen in this example show an intentional violation of the kick-off and restart laws.
“Laws 12.5 and 12.6 set out the sanctions where the ball unintentionally fails to go 10m or a player overruns their teammate at the kick-off/restart. However, if match officials believe this is done deliberately, then Law 9.7(a) should be applied.”
The Springboks also set up mauls in open play twice during the game, with props lifting a pass receiver in the air as though they were in a line-out or preparing to catch a kick-off. South Africa scored a try from both moves.
Rugbypass
