Erasmus and Springboks urged to let rugby speak against All Blacks

South Africa have beaten New Zealand seven times in 11 meetings since 2019, including a 43-10 victory in Wellington last year. That record, along with the Springboks’ recent authority in the fixture, has led to criticism of the team’s growing focus on issues beyond the rugby.

Rassie Erasmus and technical adviser Jaco Peyper appeared at a media conference on Monday before Saturday’s opening Test in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Erasmus linked the delayed team announcement to respect for the All Blacks, while also rejecting claims that South Africa intentionally slow matches down. Peyper addressed changes to referee protocols and the communication difficulties they may cause for coaches.

The discussion continued on Tuesday, when assistant coach Felix Jones passed on complaints from the Stormers, Sharks and Vodacom Bulls about New Zealand’s cleanout work during their tour matches. The concerns included breakdown actions that South Africa believed might breach the laws.

Grant Williams and Malcolm Marx were also cautious about their selection prospects, despite being among 15 players rested for the Argentina Test two weeks earlier to prepare for the series. Uncertainty remained over Siya Kolisi and Ox Nché after Erasmus described both as injury doubts, although Jones later said their recoveries were progressing without major negative developments. Jones also sought to play down Damian de Allende’s possible 100th Test, even though his selection appeared settled.

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett backed the media approach, saying Erasmus and his staff had used it effectively to answer New Zealand’s accusations while highlighting breakdown officiating. The wider view, however, is that South Africa’s record gives them enough authority without additional public manoeuvring.

The Springboks won the Freedom Cup and reclaimed the world’s top ranking after last year’s Wellington victory, their biggest-ever margin against New Zealand. Their history in the rivalry also includes Joost van der Westhuizen’s tackle on Jonah Lomu in the 1995 World Cup final, Ricky Januarie’s try in Dunedin in 2008, Pat Lambie’s long-range penalty in 2014 and Handré Pollard’s 12 points in the 2023 World Cup final.

Erasmus has shown a different side by asking supporters to respect the haka with silence at Ellis Park. He has also acknowledged the influence of All Black greats Zinzan Brooke and Murray Mexted on his own playing style, reinforcing the view that the rivalry carries enough meaning without extra theatre.