The Springboks are preparing for a legal battle with World Rugby that in a worst-case scenario could see the Springboks ‘stripped’ of their series victory against the Lions.
It is believed that the four home nations along with Australia have exerted pressure on World Rugby to make an example of Rassie Erasmus with a lengthy suspension.
The South African Director of Rugby put together an hour video critiquing referee Nic Berry’s performance of the Springboks defeat in the first test.
According to South African Afrikaans publication Rapport on Sunday, the punishment could even include null-and-voiding the result of the second Test (a 27-9 win for the Springboks) which would then strip the Boks of their series win.
Erasmus will be represented by friend and legal aide Frikkie Erasmus, who confirmed to Rapport that the charges brought against his client are “broad” and “comprehensive”.
We’ll have to wait and see what happens.
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Warren Gatland: Dream Lions XV from three tours
BACK-THREE:
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales, 2013 & 2017): The fullback has deservedly picked up the player of the series crown in 2013. DIdn’t quite hit the same heights in 2017.
14. George North (Wales, 2013 & 2017): What a tour in 2013! Sensational individual first Test try, a fireman’s lift on Israel Folau in the second while still holding the ball and series-sealing score in finale. He wasn’t so good in New Zealand, but he still does enough to make Gatland’s XV.
11. Anthony Watson (England, 2017 & 2021): The England winger survived a reckless assault from Sonny Bill Williams in the second test against the All Blacks in 2017 to provide powerful attacking running. A fantastic tour for him
CENTRES:
13. Jonathan Davies (Wales, 2013 & 2017): Confessed to feeling like Public Enemy No 1 when selected ahead of Brian O’Driscoll for Test decider. But justified selection and excellent tour summed up by most starts. Was the man of the series against the All Blacks four years later.
12. Jamie Roberts (Wales, 2013): The Lions’ best player from the 2009 tour, he charged over for final try to spark wild celebrations in the series decider four years later in Sydney.