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Rassie Erasmus' 'sad' verdict on Jasper Wiese's latest red card
By Ian Cameron
Jasper Wiese’s red card for a headbutt against Italy cast a shadow over what was otherwise a statement Springbok performance in Gqeberha.
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The Urayasu D-Rocks No.8 was sent off in the 22nd minute, leaving the Boks a man short for the majority of their 45-0 win. With Wilco Louw also spending time in the bin, the hosts at one stage played with just 13—but still managed to keep a major nation scoreless for the first time in 12 years.
It’s nothing knew for Wiese. The former Leicester Tigers back-row has received more than his fair share of suspensions for dangerous play, including high tackles and reckless clearouts, with cards of one hue or another a recurring theme at both club and international level.
He’ll face an Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) today [Sunday] for the incident as part of World Rugby’s new expedited off-field sanction process.
While Rassie Erasmus didn’t condone Wiese’s actions, he also didn’t rush to judgment.
“I’m not able to say it was right or wrong or how bad it was,” said the Springbok head coach. “Jasper must now handle that with our support. He is just so committed and passionate about the team, and it would have been wonderful for him to play in this game with his brother (Cobus), which didn’t now happen.”
It was a rare moment of disappointment on a night when Erasmus had much to be satisfied with – from inventive plays to a near-flawless defensive wall. But Wiese’s latest disciplinary issue has the potential to disrupt the selection puzzle heading into the Rugby Championship.
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“It’s sad, he’s not a guy that goes out there to do those kinds of things,” Erasmus continued, “but I don’t want to say anything here that can make it better or worse because I’m not 100 percent sure what is the best way to take it forward.”
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