Former Springbok enforcer, Bakkies Botha, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of modern rugby, arguing that players are no longer afforded the freedom to showcase their individuality.
With an impressive 85 caps for the Boks, Botha gained fame as one of the sport’s most intimidating enforcers. Despite his fearsome reputation, he managed to maintain a fine balance, receiving only four yellow cards throughout his Test career and never being shown the red card.
n an interview with Midi Olympique, Botha was asked about the state of the modern game and he was frank in his assessment.
“I understand the problem that World Rugby and its officials have at international level,” the 43-year-old told the French newspaper.
They have to protect the players, but our game has become frustrating, ground down and inconsistent.
“From one match to another, referees’ interpretations vary. In the stands or on the TV, people understand nothing.
“In my day, it seemed as though there were more personalities on the pitch. Today, players are all the same as each other. People called me an ‘enforcer’ – and I loved that!
“I found that it added spice to the spectacle – because professional sport is also that, a spectacle, isn’t it? The evolution of the laws has rid the sport of ‘enforcers’ in my mould; you cannot get away with scrapping in rucks like I did anymore.
“I don’t think that rugby today would suit me.”
Bakkies Botha Is Officially The Dirtiest Player In Rugby History
There is a fine line between being an aggressive, hard nosed player and a dirty one. With some players it is difficult to distinguish whether or not they are simply playing with grit and determination
Here are, in RUCK’s opinion, the 5 dirtiest rugby players in history.
#5. Danny Grewcock
A second row with something of a short fuse. Picked up a five-week ban after being sent off for kicking All Blacks hooker Anton Oliver in a Test in Dunedin in 1998, two weeks for punching Lawrence Dallaglio in a club match in 2003, two months for biting All Black hooker Keven Mealamu during the first Lions Test in 2005, six weeks for punching French lock Thibault Privat in 2007, and seven weeks for stamping on Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris in 2010. Knew his way to the disciplinary offices and deserves his place among the dirtiest rugby players!