World Rugby told to act against Rassie Erasmus as ‘crime sheet’ grows

South Africa have faced accusations of operating outside the “spirit of the game” after Erasmus made three changes to his starting team just an hour before Saturday’s 33-26 victory over New Zealand.

The double World Cup-winning coach dramatically swapped his entire front row shortly before kick-off, despite having named his starting XV earlier in the week.

The move sparked criticism in New Zealand, with questions raised over whether Erasmus was attempting to gain a late advantage over the All Blacks.

New Zealand Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul has now called on World Rugby to take a stronger stance against Erasmus, accusing the Springboks coach of repeatedly pushing the boundaries in search of an advantage.

“There is now an increasing element of bewilderment, frustration and possibly even disdain for the way Erasmus operates within the laws of the game but outside the spirit,” he wrote.

Paul claimed South Africa’s continued success has acted as a “protective shield” for Erasmus and his methods.

He added: “The Springboks keep winning and that in itself seems to serve as a protective shield for Erasmus – his behaviour and antics somehow deemed to be okay by officialdom as they serve the purpose of delivering the win.”

The latest controversy has once again divided rugby fans, with some believing Erasmus is simply finding clever ways to gain an advantage and others arguing his tactics are beginning to cross the line.

Paul also took issue with Erasmus using an expletive during his post-match press conference following the Springboks’ seven-point victory.

He believes World Rugby needs to demonstrate its authority, even if any action over Erasmus’ language would be relatively minor.

“World Rugby, as the custodians and managers of the international game, need to find the resolve to stand up to Erasmus,” he wrote.

Paul argued there needed to be a demonstration that rugby’s governing body was “not willing to let one man become bigger than the game”.

He concluded that the list of alleged misdemeanours surrounding Erasmus was becoming increasingly lengthy, declaring: “The crime sheet is reaching epic proportions.”

The controversy adds another layer of tension to what has already been a fiercely contested series.

New Zealand won the opening Test 33-16 before South Africa hit back with a 33-26 victory in Cape Town to level the series at 1-1.

Attention will now turn to the third Test, with the rivalry between Erasmus and the All Blacks showing little sign of cooling.

But how many of their last 25 captains can you remember? Test your rugby knowledge and see if you can name every player to have led the Springboks in their most recent appearances.