Rassie Erasmus has clapped back at critics via social media, staunchly defending the Springboks' use of the high-ball game. This tactic has become a cornerstone of the Boks' game plan, transforming what was once a mere method of regaining possession into a lethal attacking strategy. The recent changes in rules have only heated up the aerial duels, and it seems the Boks have adapted better than anyone else, remaining champs of the skies.
Despite being on the shorter side, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse have turned into aerial acrobats, dominating under the high ball. This proficiency has turned the kick-chase game into a spectacle, with the Springboks' execution being both ruthless and precise. It's not just about catching the ball; it's about immediately turning defense into offense.
However, not everyone is a fan. Japan's coach Eddie Jones voiced his concerns, suggesting that the current laws overly favor the attacking team.
"Everything in the game suits [the Springboks] at the moment,"
Jones commented during a pre-forum chat before the World Rugby’s Shape of the Game event in London. He also dropped a hint that changes might be on the way:
"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, ever the straight shooter, seemed baffled by the critique and took to Twitter to voice his bemusement and defense of the tactic, stating, "Really don't understand what they're saying ????? fair contest to gain possession or disrupt? Make up your own mind!" His tweet clearly shows his belief that the Boks are playing within the spirit and letter of the law, turning a well-regulated part of the game into an art form.
This debate is sure to add an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming World Rugby discussions in London, as the sport's stakeholders consider whether the high-ball game needs a tweak or if it's just another area where teams need to catch up to the Springboks' lofty standards.
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Rassie Erasmus has clapped back at critics via social media, staunchly defending the Springboks' use of the high-ball game. This tactic has become a cornerstone of the Boks' game plan, transforming what was once a mere method of regaining possession into a lethal attacking strategy. The recent changes in rules have only heated up the aerial duels, and it seems the Boks have adapted better than anyone else, remaining champs of the skies.
Despite being on the shorter side, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse have turned into aerial acrobats, dominating under the high ball. This proficiency has turned the kick-chase game into a spectacle, with the Springboks' execution being both ruthless and precise. It's not just about catching the ball; it's about immediately turning defense into offense.
However, not everyone is a fan. Japan's coach Eddie Jones voiced his concerns, suggesting that the current laws overly favor the attacking team.
"Everything in the game suits [the Springboks] at the moment,"
Jones commented during a pre-forum chat before the World Rugby’s Shape of the Game event in London. He also dropped a hint that changes might be on the way:"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, ever the straight shooter, seemed baffled by the critique and took to Twitter to voice his bemusement and defense of the tactic, stating, "Really don't understand what they're saying ????? fair contest to gain possession or disrupt? Make up your own mind!" His tweet clearly shows his belief that the Boks are playing within the spirit and letter of the law, turning a well-regulated part of the game into an art form.
This debate is sure to add an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming World Rugby discussions in London, as the sport's stakeholders consider whether the high-ball game needs a tweak or if it's just another area where teams need to catch up to the Springboks' lofty standards.