Here are the latest rugby headlines on Tuesday, November 15.
Gatland calls out Erasmus
Warren Gatland says there is no defence for Rassie Erasmus’ controversial actions in the wake of the Springboks’ defeat to France.
South Africa’s director of rugby Erasmus published a series of videos on social media which appeared to question decisions taken by referee Wayne Barnes during the game in Marseille.
Writing in the Telegraph, former Wales and Lions boss Gatland says: “We don’t see other directors of rugby or head coaches doing the same thing. I think it’s a little bit disappointing. There is a process in place for people to do reports after games and get feedback. And I would like to see Rassie follow that process.
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“I can’t particularly see a defence there for what he’s doing. I don’t think it’s a great look for the game. The last thing we need is coaches taking this media and making comments about the game.”
Erasmus has only recently returned to match-day activities following a World Rugby ban for his infamous hour-long video criticising Aussie referee Nic Berry after the first South Africa v Lions Test this summer.
Gatland, who was coaching the Lions, said: “I really felt for Nic Berry after the video Erasmus put out. We could all go through games with a fine-tooth comb and pick out decisions that went against us or you might not be happy with.
“That happens in every game, because you have guys in the middle and assistants making calls on the run. We have the benefits of lots of different angles on video replays.
“After every game, you pick out things and send in clips where you want clarification and that’s the process you go through. Referees, the good ones, will come back and put their hands up on calls they’ve got wrong and you accept that, because it’s human nature. We’re going to make mistakes, they can’t see everything, things are happening so quickly and you understand people aren’t going to see every situation.
“I just think as coaches and administrators, there is a process and we need to keep our counsel. You would like to think that someone will pull Erasmus aside, whether it’s someone from the South African Rugby Union or their CEO or there’s a phone call, to tell Rassie: ‘I don’t think you’re doing yourself any favours, or World Rugby any favours by putting these things out on social media’.”
Lydiate's message of thanks
Wales star Dan Lydiate has posted a thank you for all the messages of support he has received after a “tough week”.
The 68-cap Ospreys flanker took the field against Argentina at the Principality Stadium just days after his father John passed away.
The Welsh team wore black armbands during the game, while coach Wayne Pivac has paid tribute to Lydiate, saying he has nothing put praise for the way he handled himself throughout the week.
Unfortunately, the 34-year-old blindside had to leave the field just 28 minutes into the clash with the Pumas after suffering a broken arm which has ruled him out of the rest of the autumn campaign.
Taking to Twitter, Lydiate wrote: “Thanks for all the messages of support. Been a tough week. We rebuild, go again.”
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Watkin to put frustration in the past
Owen Watkin is looking to put his frustration behind him and make the most of the opportunity he has been handed against Georgia this week.
The 35-cap Ospreys centre has had to settle for a bench berth for Wales so far during the autumn series, with Nick Tompkins and George North the midfield pairing against New Zealand and Argentina. Now he gets his turn alongside North.
“I’m really pleased to finally get a start in this campaign. Hopefully I get a lot of ball in hand and show what I can do. I feel I’ve shown what I can do off the bench. Now it’s my time to take that opportunity they’ve given me,” said the 26-year-old.
“Obviously, George, Nick, Joe (Hawkins) and myself all want to start. When you’re not starting or involved, it’s frustrating. Last two weeks, Nick and George have started so I’ve had to prepare them. This week is my turn, so Nick has prepared me as best as possible. It’s obviously frustrating, but you have to do what’s best for the team.”
On his partnership with regional pal North, he said: “We’ve had a few games together in the centre at the Ospreys. We know what each other wants and how each other attacks and defends.”
Springboks make changes
South Africa will have a fresh look when they take on Italy as they attempt to bounce back from narrow defeats to Ireland and France.
Coach Jacques Nienaber has made four personnel changes and two positional switches to his starting XV for Saturday’s Test at Genoa’s Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Leicester’s Jasper Wiese returns at No 8 having been a late withdrawal from the game against France in Marseille, while there’s a new second row pairing in Stormers duo Salmaan Moerat and Marin Orie, with Lodewyk de Jager having returned home with a shoulder injury.
Harlequins star Andre Esterhuizen comes in at inside centre as Damian de Allende moves out to 13, forming a powerful midfield combination, while the other positional alteration sees Franco Mostert head from lock to flanker in place of Pieter-Steph du Toit, who is awaiting a disciplinary hearing following his red card against Les Bleus.
Meanwhile, Italy have called up prop Matteo Nocera and fly-half Nicolò Teneggi from Zebre, while centre Michele Campagnaro, prop Ion Neculai and back row duo Luca Andreani and Toa Halafihi are returning to their clubs. The Azzurri will name their team on Thursday as they look to build on their historic win over Australia.
South Africa: Willie le Roux; Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian Willemse, Faf de Klerk; Ox Nche, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, Marvin Orie, Siya Kolisi (capt), Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert.
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Eben Etzebeth, Kwagga Smith, Evan Roos, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok.
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Ireland's fly-half concern
Doubts over Johnny Sexton’s fitness and the absence of two of his understudies has seen Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne called into the Ireland squad for Saturday’s game against Australia.
The 37-year-old Sexton is struggling with the dead leg he suffered in the win over South Africa, while Joey Carbery has been ruled out with a head injury and Ciaran Frawley faces a number of months out after undergoing knee surgery.
So Byrne, who won the last of his 14 caps as a replacement against England in March 2021, steps into the squad to join Munster fly-half Jack Crowley who came off the bench for his Test debut against Fiji on Saturday.
Lions centre Robbie Henshaw misses out with a hamstring injury, while James Ryan, Andrew Porter, Hugo Keenan and World Player of the Year contender Josh van der Flier are all carrying knocks.
Sheedy to face 'Boks XV
Welsh international Callum Sheedy will wear No 10 for Bristol when they take on a South Africa XV in front of a record crowd of 26,387 at a sold-out Ashton Gate on Thursday night (7.30pm).
He is joined in the match-day 23 by countryman Sam Lewis who provides back row cover on the bench having come on board from Worcester. The South Africa XV includes 12 capped Springboks.
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