The Springboks could face questions over a possible fine following their 21-19 defeat to France, with Rassie Erasmus' latest selection gamble attracting fresh scrutiny.
South Africa's narrow defeat in Paris has already sparked plenty of debate, particularly over several controversial refereeing decisions.
But another issue has emerged from the Stade de France, this time involving Erasmus himself.
The Springboks coach made three surprise changes to his starting XV just an hour before kick-off, replacing his entire front row.
Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw were moved to the bench, with Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Thomas du Toit promoted to the starting side.
Erasmus has shuffled his front row more often than a Las Vegas blackjack dealer. This time, however, his latest gamble has raised questions about a possible punishment.
Why could the Springboks face a fine?
As RUCK reported before kick-off, the late changes revived a debate over World Rugby's team selection regulations.
Under World Rugby Regulation 15.1.2, teams must announce and exchange their starting line-ups and replacements before an international match.
However, the issue is not quite that simple.
All six front-row players were already named in South Africa's matchday squad. Erasmus simply switched three starters with three replacements.
The question is whether those changes were permitted under the Nations Championship's specific match protocols without an injury or another accepted reason.
According to The South African, there have been calls for World Rugby to examine the decision.
Late tactical changes can attract financial penalties in certain competitions, although those sanctions do not automatically apply to Friday's match.
Crucially, no breach has been established, and there is no confirmed fine or disciplinary investigation.
Erasmus explains late Springboks changes
The double World Cup-winning coach insisted the decision was part of his preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Speaking after the defeat, Erasmus explained that the coaching staff had been considering the reshuffle for several days.
"We announced our team on Monday, but then we thought maybe we had to change something," he said.
"We waited until the captain's run on Thursday to decide and even then, we were not sure if we should, but we decided shortly before the game, and it was mainly with testing that combination with the Rugby World Cup next year in mind."
It was not an entirely new tactic.
Erasmus made a similar front-row switch before South Africa's victory over New Zealand earlier this year.
That gamble paid off. This one ended in defeat.
The original front row eventually entered the contest in the 35th minute, with the Springboks trailing 21-7.
South Africa fought back but could not overturn the deficit, suffering their first defeat in Paris against France since 2005.
For now, any potential fine remains hypothetical.
Whether World Rugby believes Erasmus crossed a line is another matter entirely.
