Rassie's new video has done 'irreparable harm' in wake of French loss

As sure as the tide goes out, Rassie Erasmus has posted a video on Twitter in the wake of South Africa’s latest Test loss.

The Boks suffered a narrow 30-26 defeat against France at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Saturday and it was a match filled with incident.

Refereee Wayne Barnes was a focus of a lot of fan ire after the game, his decision to award a final French try in 76th minute which some had suggested involved a secondary movement, being the main focal point for critics of the English official.

However, it’s two other incidents that the maverick Springboks director of rugby appeared to want to highlight with a sarcastic Tweet not long after the final whistle was sounded.

“I know guys and accept it, we really only have ourselves to blame as the French were awsome both on the field (players)and off the field (supporters)!! We just have to fix these fundamental errors like tackle technique and simple passing,” wrote Erasmus.

Below the statement was a video in which Cheslin Kolbe appeared to receive a forearm to the head when attempting a tackle and a flat pass by fullback Willie Le Roux which was adjudged forward.

I know guys and accept it, we really only have ourselves to blame as the French were awsome both on the field (players)and off the field (supporters)!! We just have to fix these fundamental errors like tackle technique and simple passing ??Sorry ?? we know ? pic.twitter.com/hte6ggyXk9

— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) November 12, 2022

The video was met with both support and disdain, with hardcore fans applauding and cheering him on, while critics mocked him.

On Sunday morning he took aim at Gael Fickou and Barnes failure to penalise the French centre for slowing down South African ruck ball.

“This so clever by Fickou, the way he moves and presents himself on our side of the ruck has no influence on our speed of the ball from the ruck !! We can certainly learn from this!!”.

This so clever by Fickou, the way he moves and presents himself on our side of the ruck has no influence on our speed of the ball from the ruck !! We can certainly learn from this !! Sorry ??? pic.twitter.com/nCisruylk4

— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) November 13, 2022

He did however also suggest they had ‘no quarrels’ about France’s last try, although it’s not clear if the former Munster head coach was being sarcastic or not. “Guys at this level their is no chance that this was not reviewed, the chances of communications going down at that specific moment is 1/100min of broadcasting! So in our view fair try after proper review by experienced Barnsy and his team! No quarrels from our side!!”

Guys at this level their is no chance that this was not reviewed, the chances of communications going down at that specific moment is 1/100min of broadcasting! So in our view fair try after proper review by experienced Barnsy and his team! No quarrels from our side!! https://t.co/QvoGW2DFNL

— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) November 13, 2022

Northampton Saints director Tim Percival described him as the Donald Trump of rugby: “The Donald Trump of rugby. Legitimate when SA win, stolen when they lose. I wonder if he realises the damage he does to the game when he tweets this garbage.”

The Donald Trump of rugby. Legitimate when SA win, stolen when they lose. I wonder if he realises the damage he does to the game when he tweets this garbage. https://t.co/DyF86saK2K

— Tim Percival (@TimPercival) November 13, 2022

Cardiff Rugby Life wrote: “Rassie Erasmus is doing irreparable harm to South African rugby and Rugby Union as a sport, as well as making himself look like a prime whinging prick, with these videos after every Springbok loss.”

Rassie Erasmus is doing irreparable harm to South African rugby and Rugby Union as a sport, as well as making himself look like a prime whinging prick, with these videos after every Springbok loss. https://t.co/EyrWI6VD3z

— Cardiff Rugby Life (@CardiffRugbyWeb) November 13, 2022

Many others – South African fans included – beseeched the DoR to stop whining and accept the loss.

The Springboks are yet to win on tour, having lost to Ireland the previous weekend and their South Africa A team also losing to Munster midweek.

The Springboks will depart for Genoa on Sunday to begin preparations for their third Test on tour against Italy.