Former World Cup-winning Springbok coach and current director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has come under fire for his actions during the Lions tour of South Africa thus far. His critics have only grown more vocal after the Lions’ 22-17 win in the first Test.
The Lions secured a famous come-from-behind win after trailing the hosts 12-3 at the half. Since then, one of the talking points has been Erasmus and the nature of his current involvement and influence in the Springbok setup.
One of the best side dramas always takes shape around the relationship between opposing coaches. Warren Gatland is certainly no stranger to this, having endured various personal attacks of his own on the last Lions tour of his home country New Zealand.
Gatland recently took issue with Erasmus stalking the sidelines as a waterboy without any water during their loss to South Africa A.
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In another brilliant twist, it appears Erasmus has possibly created a burner account on Twitter to further highlight calls that go against the Springboks.
My favourite thing about this whole saga is how obvious it is that Jaco Johan is also Rassie. pic.twitter.com/OO7AdydCVR
— Squidge Rugby (@SquidgeRugby) July 25, 2021
This is the video in question.
Respect your attitude in defeat, but there were some questionable calls. I’ll highlight a few @Springboks @lionsofficial https://t.co/aU4GgNiQ0n pic.twitter.com/2dHaomajye
— Jaco Johan (@thenosyone987) July 25, 2021
The twitter account it was posted from has just two posts ever, both with well edited videos about Springbok grievances. Also, Johan is Erasmus’ real name. Coincidence? Maybe.
Former England and Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward has now weighed in with a rather heavy hand, also questioning the wisdom in Erasmus’s involvement.
“If South Africa are to stand any chance of leveling the series, Rassie Erasmus must be in a suit in the stands playing no part in any match day decisions.
“There can only ever be one man in charge in match week and on match day – and that has to be the coach.”
The controversial Watson tackle which escaped any card vs Springboks
“It is clear that Erasmus has started taking over again, he is running around in a tracksuit and donning the water carrier bib even though – as Gatland observed last week – he never seems to dispense any water, nor even carry a bottle. He never forgets his clipboard, though.
“It looked comical, it was comical, and I am surprised South African Rugby are allowing it to happen.”
Of course, Erasmus can also remind everyone that he is the reigning World Cup-winning coach and there are two more Tests remaining.
Man of the Match Maro Itoje expects a fight from Springboks:
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