Renaldo Bothma posts 'life-changing' croc-roll injury that ended his career

In response to the controversy around the red card issued during Scotland’s 32-15 loss to South Africa at Murrayfield on Sunday, former Namibian international Renaldo Bothma has posted a video of his own career-ending injury to emphasize the dangers of the “croc-roll” tackle technique.

Scotland were trailing 5-0 after Makazole Mapimpi’s opening try and then suffered a major setback in the 11th minute when lock Scott Cummings was yellow-carded for a croc-roll tackle on South Africa’s Franco Mostert at a ruck.

Working in tandem with flanker Rory Darge in the clearout, Cummings appeared surprised when television match official Ian Tempest suggested that on-field referee Christophe Ridley review the tackle, resulting in the second-row’s yellow card.

The 20-min red card explained by referee Karl Dickson

Referee Karl Dickson explains the 20-min red card system that is in place during the Autumn Nations Series.

The 20-min red card explained by referee Karl Dickson

Referee Karl Dickson explains the 20-min red card system that is in place during the Autumn Nations Series.

A few minutes later and the decision was upgraded to a red card following a review by Tual Trainini – the foul play review official. The upgrade left Scotland with 14 players for 20 minutes and stirred a vocal reaction from the Murrayfield crowd, as many believed Cummings’ actions were not malicious.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend wasn’t pleased, suggesting the incident had mitigating circumstances. “Scott was clearing contact, and the scrum-half’s sudden movement forced him off balance, which led to his contact with the jackalling player’s leg,” Townsend explained. “But given the dynamic speed of the game, I felt a red card was harsh.”

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus expressed partial agreement, though he voiced frustration at his team’s inability to capitalize more fully on Scotland’s temporary reduction to 14 men.

Following the match, Bothma took to social media to share his perspective on the dangers of the croc-roll. Accompanying a video of his own injury, which resulted in four surgeries, permanent nerve damage, and the end of his playing career, Bothma wrote: “Seeing lots of comments on the red card, so here’s my perspective: a croc roll ended my career, paralyzed my foot, led to 4 surgeries, and brought lifelong mental challenges. Croc rolls aren’t just dangerous—they’re life-changing. Player safety has to come first.”

Seeing lots of comments on the red card, so here’s my perspective: a croc roll ended my career, paralyzed my foot, led to 4 surgeries, and brought lifelong mental challenges. Croc rolls aren’t just dangerous—they’re life-changing. Player safety has to come first. pic.twitter.com/IH1jLSnrhx

— Renaldo Bothma (@renaldobothma) November 11, 2024