Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has thrown his hat into the ring regarding the contentious ending to the second Test between the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions. The incident in question, a clear-out by Jac Morgan on Carlo Tizzano, which referee Andrea Piardi ruled as legal, allowing Hugo Keenan’s try to stand, has sparked a firestorm of opinions. Coaches Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell have voiced starkly different takes, leaving the rugby community split.
From the Springboks’ training site, as they gear up for the Rugby Championship, Erasmus shared his perspective. Despite his personal stakes in the game outcome, having bet on a Wallabies win, Erasmus recognized the referee's challenging position.
"That was a tough decision, and World Rugby came out and said it was the right decision. I know that it is a very tough call for the referee to make there."
He expressed empathy for both Schmidt and Farrell, noting, "If I were Joe, I would be really disappointed, and if I were Andy, I’d be really happy."Erasmus had high hopes for Australia, predicting a close score of 27-23 in their favor, which did not pan out. "Internally, the coaches had some scores between us and it varied between Australia winning and the others said the Lions would win," he explained. The Wallabies did showcase a significant improvement, leading much of the game and at one point by a wide margin.
Looking ahead, Erasmus does not see the Wallabies' recent performance as a factor in his team's planning, asserting that the physicality and strategy of Rugby Championship opponents like New Zealand and Argentina will pose bigger challenges.