Eddie Jones has hinted that Rassie Erasmus may have cunningly manipulated the rules to South Africa’s benefit in their 30-22 Rugby Championship victory over Australia.
The ex-England and Wallabies coach believes a last-minute alteration to the Springboks’ back row was pivotal in determining the outcome of the match in Cape Town on Saturday. Jean-Luc du Preez was initially slated to start at number eight, but was pulled out just before kick-off due to illness.
His replacement was Kwagga Smith – and Jones is convinced this move played directly into the Boks’ favour.
In his Planet Rugby column, Jones suggested that Erasmus, South Africa’s director of rugby, might have had more sway than the official explanation indicated.
“One nuance that I think played into South Africa’s hands was the enforced change before kick-off that saw Jean-Luc du Preez swapped out for Kwagga Smith,” Jones stated.
“Now, I wouldn’t put it past Rassie Erasmus to have engineered this in his own intelligent way.
“But Smith’s ability in the wet conditions around the breakdown, supported by [Marco] Van Staden and [Ox] Nche, was crucial for them.”
The Wallabies had difficulty at the breakdown the previous week, but Smith’s dynamism proved essential as the Springboks took control of that area.
Jones also seized the opportunity to demand alterations to the sport’s regulations, contending that World Rugby’s requirement for squads to be announced days beforehand should be abolished.
“I am against the regulation that insists on early named teams without the ability to make changes,” he wrote. “It’s a law I’d remove if I were World Rugby.”
South Africa’s exceptional place-kicking proved another crucial factor according to Jones, who highlighted Handré Pollard’s perfect record from the tee in contrast to James O’Connor’s squandered opportunities.
“Pollard nailed a full house, James O’Connor left 11 points out there, getting three from seven,” Jones said.
“Whilst JOC has run the backline well, scoreboard pressure is key at Test level, especially against the Boks.”
Jones lauded the influence of winger Cheslin Kolbe but acknowledged Australia were undone by spurned chances and scoreboard tension.
It may not have been a vintage display, but Jones reckons the victory will provide South Africa with a vital boost before their approaching double-header against the All Blacks.
He also implored detractors not to assess Erasmus’ squad too severely, insisting the Springboks are presently in a “transition” phase whilst they gear up for the next World Cup cycle.
