| Venue: Twickenham Stadium Date: Saturday 26 November Kick-off: 17:30 GMT |
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South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber has accused rugby fans of showing little respect for him in the wake director of rugby Rassie Amsterdam’s ban on social media posts concerning referees.
Nienaber, who spoke out about Erasmus’ two-week suspension from World Rugby, stated that “if all the facts were out there I think people would form an alternative opinion.”
It is very sad, if you really think about it.
Erasmus’ suspension also includes Saturday’s match against England.
Nienaber, who assumed the role of head coach in 2019, stated that he believed the misperceptions surrounding his world champion team had an impact on their playing style.
He said, “We cannot control the narrative that is put out there about us being boring and that we don’t attack that we just punch and kick and tackle.”
“You can’t make that story different with all your energy. It is what people want to tell.
“If we get respect ever, I don’t know. But as long as you are comfortable with what you are putting out there and the goals that we are trying to achieve, we can be open and honest with one another as a group.”
South Africa’s rugby director Erasmus was only allowed to return to the Springboks matchday setup in October after a year’s ban for his criticisms of the match officials during his team’s series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2021.
World Rugby claims that Alan Gilpin’s social media comments on refereeing decisions may have had a detrimental effect on grassroots rugby. emphasising that dialogue between officials and coaches much remain private.
Nienaber stated that he couldn’t reveal information he felt wasn’t being made public due to confidentiality rules, but that it would “probably” emerge someday.
He said, “We cannot discuss it unfortunately, it’s what it is,” but he also stated that the facts are known and shared with the other players and members of the group.
Six changes have been made by the Springboks to their side that beat Italy 61-23 last weekend, With a host players such as number eight Jasper Wiese and number wing Cheslin Kolbe, they were forced to return to their clubs because the match took place outside of the Test window.
Eben Etzebeth, second row, returns to the starting lineup with Evan Roos, promising number eight, winning his third cap.
South Africa Le Roux; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Mapimpi; Willemse, De Klerk; Nche, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Orie, Kolisi (c), Mostert, Roos.
Replacements: Marx, Kitshoff, Du Toit, Van Staden, Smith, Hendrikse, Libbok, Moodie
