Yes - Right - LOL
Yes - Right - LOL
Core values - yes the rugby world has seen the lack of them on a lot of occasions in the last 5 years.
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Rugby giants from the Springboks camp, including Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger, and Robbie Fleck, have openly criticized Tupou Vaa’i’s extravagant celebrations during a recent match at Eden Park, branding them as excessive and detrimental to the spirit of rugby. Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen also chimed in, urging All Blacks coach Scott Robertson to rein in the lock for his over-the-top antics.
Pietersen expressed his dismay on X, stating,
“I hope the All Blacks had their review of yesterday’s Test and the coach explained to their number 5, that celebrating a turnover like you’ve won the World Cup is embarrassing!”
He further hoped that Robertson would address the issue, emphasizing that such behavior is not typical of the All Blacks’ ethos.On the Boks Unpacked podcast, the trio of former Springboks players dissected Pietersen’s comments and Vaa’i’s actions. Fleck, with his extensive background as a player and coach, remarked on the disruptiveness of such celebrations, “I felt it was over the top, to be honest. The behavior, the celebrations, after every turnover or big hit. It’s just a bit excessive. It’s not really what rugby is about.”
Burger, known for his fierce playing style, admitted that such antics would irritate him on the field, “We’ve seen it with other teams too, listen, I don’t mind them celebrating if someone scores a cracker, you go and give them a hug and a high five – lekker. If a Springbok makes a mistake, celebrating someone’s in your face like that would get under my skin big time.”
The conversation also turned to players who historically got under their skin, with Fleck noting, “Mostly the Aussies, Justin Harrison, George Gregan, and Nathan Gray.” Burger added, “Sterling Mortlock is another, and there were a lot of Bulls players.”
Concluding their discussion, Fleck highlighted the professionalism of the Springbok players in contrast to Vaa’i’s behavior, “There was zero reaction from the Springbok players, they just get on with their job.” This sentiment reflects a broader expectation of sportsmanship and focus that defines rugby’s core values.