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'How the f**k in Australia and UK?': Rassie reaction to video leak
Common to five of the six charges brought against Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus by World Rugby was that he “published or permitted to be published” or “published or caused to be published” the infamous 62-minute video critiquing the first Lions Test performance of the match officials last July.
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Erasmus was adamant that he wasn’t responsible for the video becoming public knowledge and available for anyone to watch on the Vimeo platform and the 80-page written judgment on the hearing provided a fascinating insight into the chronology of the video going viral and of various correspondence involving the Springboks director that particular week.
In appendix two of the written judgment, which starts on page 61, it was stated that Erasmus recorded the video at around noon on July 27 in Cape Town, three days after the Springboks had been beaten in the opening match of the three-game series versus the Lions.
It then outlined that the “Erasmus video source code shows upload at 19:00 (time log 13.00 EST which is 19:00 Cape Town). The Erasmus video was uploaded without any privacy setting, meaning it could be viewed by anyone who had a link to the video.”
What Erasmus did next at 7.05am on Wednesday, July 28, was to email the video to five people – referee Nic Berry, World Rugby’s Joe Schmidt and Joel Jutge, Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber and SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.
The written judgment in the Erasmus case addressed "the exceptional sensitivity of race in South Africa"#Springboks #rassieerasmushttps://t.co/MQuOsEmA0b
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 19, 2021
It was sent with the following message from Erasmus: “Hi Guys. I send this link in my personal capacity and not as director of rugby of SA Rugby. To be honest I am really a bit lost for words on what to say to the Springbok players or management. Please have a look at the video when you click on the link. I think the video will summarise my opinion and frustration at how things were handled pre/during/post the match. I want to reiterate the respect I have for all copied in on this email, but I am also very disappointed about how things unfolded on the field.
“I would fully understand if you don’t agree with my view and opinions and will respect that. I will also send this link to all the players in the current Springbok squad and obviously to the coaches. I just personally think that we were not treated with the same respect which the BIL players and coaches received.
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“You are welcome to comment or reply on the video. I am confident you will probably disagree on most. If you don’t reply I would fully understand as this is a personal email and not in my role as director of rugby or water carrier.
“My only wish is that both teams are treated equally and with the same respect for the last 2 test matches. Please communicate directly with Jacques Nienaber (copied in) our head coach going forward. Thanks for your time. Rassie”
Shortly after sending that email, Erasmus then circulated the video to a WhatsApp group titled ‘Test 2 SA v BIL’ comprising SA Rugby coaches and players. That was at 7.27am. “The WhatsApp information revealed the identities of the persons in this group are Lindsay Weyer, Andy Edwards, Anuerin, Bongi, Daa… However, in evidence, Mr Erasmus said the recipients comprised the numbered 40.
“Mr Erasmus posted a screenshot of the email at 66 above with the following comment: ‘No rush to watch, but just to make sure you guys know what is happening behind the scenes to keep the contest fair’. Ras”
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The developing situation then moved on to July 28 and WhatsApp messages between Erasmus and Russel Belter, the director of WILDCAM Limited, who filmed the Erasmus video and posted it to Vimeo: “Erasmus: ‘Have you got ten views already?’
It was news to England boss Eddie Jones that his name was referenced in the Rassie Erasmus written judgment #Springboks #rassieerasmus #England #ENGvRSA #AutumnNationsSerieshttps://t.co/onWukoZkbc
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 18, 2021
“Belter replies with a screenshot showing 31 views and the text ’21 views since this morning’. Belter sends a further screenshot of analytics showing views in South Africa (41), Australia (8), United Kingdom (3), France (2), United States (0). (Total 54)
“Erasmus replies, ‘How the f**k in Australia and UK?’ Belter says ‘no idea, maybe the refs share your mail’. Erasmus says, ‘Keep me informed please, mate’.”
The written judgement went on to state that Vimeo data on July 28 showed there were 131 views in South Africa, ten views in Australia, five views in the United Kingdom, and two views in France. This was further broken down to show in Australia, ten views in Brisbane, Queensland; in the United Kingdom, two views in Bristol, two views in Reading, and one view in Palmers Green; and in France, two views in Cahors.”
The next day, July 29, Erasmus screenshotted a graph showing video analytics. “Vimeo data including a graph showing a blue line with 45k views on July 29.”
In its findings, the judicial committee remarked about the video: “It was uploaded to the Vimeo platform, which is a public site. While it is possible to password-protect videos uploaded to that site, this video was not password protected nor was there any other privacy setting. However, the unchallenged evidence from Russel Belter was that there was no way to access this video without the specific link.”
The committee added with regard to the July 28 WhatsApp exchanges between Erasmus and Belter that “it includes an initial request for views and ends with a request to be kept informed. Surprise that it had travelled so far as quickly (Australia and the UK) is not inconsistent with publication. We note Rassie Erasmus did not then ask for it be taken down or password protected.”
The written judgment in the Rassie Erasmus hearing has detailed a disputed phone call between two of World Rugby's top referees #Springboks #rassieerasmus
https://t.co/uu9ATEVh3I— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 18, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
The game was a quarter final, not a semi final. Barrett will be here for 6 months, he is no one's replacement at 13. That mantle will most likely ultimately go to Jamie Osborne, though Garry Ringrose has at least 4 more years in him. The long term problem position (in the next 3 years) for Leinster is tighthead prop, though there are a couple of prospects at schools level.
21 Go to commentsSo much for all that hype surrounding the ‘revival’ of Aussie rugby. The Blues were without the likes of regular starters Perofeta, Sullivan, Christie etc… This was a capitulation of the highest order by Australia’s finest. Joe Schmidt definitely has his work cut out for him.
2 Go to commentsYes they can ignore Sotutu. Like Akira Ioane plays OK at Super level but gets lost in tests. Too many chances too many failures.
2 Go to commentsA wallaby front-row of Bell, Blake and Tupou…now that would be hefty
1 Go to comments“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
10 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
25 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
10 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
37 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
37 Go to comments