Springboks Embrace Former Referee’s Guidance on Improved Discipline

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has emphasized the pivotal role that former world-class referee Jaco Peyper plays in addressing the team’s disciplinary issues. Peyper, who recently retired after officiating at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has joined the Springboks’ set-up and is actively working with the players to enhance their communication and approach towards match officials.

Erasmus explained that Peyper conducts one-on-one sessions with key players, including the captain and vice-captain, as well as the wingers and props, to help them understand the immense pressure referees face and how to engage with them respectfully.

“Even though we may be right, that doesn’t mean you can be disrespectful towards referees and their assistants,” Erasmus emphasized.

The Springboks’ mindset around officials has undergone a significant shift since the World Cup, and Peyper’s insights have been instrumental in this change. Erasmus noted that the former referee shared the staggering statistic that officials make approximately 950 decisions or non-decisions during a game, and a mere 20 mistakes are actually considered “not that bad.”

Furthermore, Peyper is also assisting the Springboks in adapting to the latest law amendments introduced by World Rugby, which came into effect on July 1. These changes include the removal of the ‘Dupont law’ loophole and the controversial scrum amendment that prevents the set-piece from being chosen following a free-kick.

While some have criticized these law updates as targeting the Springboks’ strengths, Erasmus remained unperturbed.

“On the Dupont law, where the forwards must stand still – we haven’t really done that where we advanced. It was really only France who did it, so that’s not a big change,” he said.

The coach also expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt to the new rules, stating that they still have plenty of scrums, penalties, and lineouts at their disposal.

With Jaco Peyper’s guidance on improving discipline and navigating the latest rugby union gameplay changes, the Springboks are poised to continue their pursuit of success on the international stage.

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