{"id":293864,"date":"2023-10-11T00:55:47","date_gmt":"2023-10-11T00:55:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports-life-news.com\/?p=293864"},"modified":"2023-10-11T00:55:47","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T00:55:47","slug":"south-africa-chief-rassie-erasmus-suggests-france-simulate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports-life-news.com\/rugby-union\/south-africa-chief-rassie-erasmus-suggests-france-simulate\/","title":{"rendered":"South Africa chief Rassie Erasmus suggests France 'simulate'"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus lit the fuse on his team\u2019s World Cup quarter-final with France by accusing the tournaments hosts\u2019 players of simulation.<\/p>\n
The Springboks \u2013 the defending champions after claiming global glory in Japan in 2019 \u2013 will be underdogs when they take on Fabien Galthie\u2019s Les Bleus on Sunday night.<\/p>\n
Ahead of the hotly-anticipated game at the Stade de France, Erasmus aired his belief France\u2019s players are \u2018clever\u2019 at making it clear to referees if they believe they are tackled illegally.<\/p>\n
\u2018I think the French are not playing a reckless game where they are on the edge of being too physical,\u2019 said the 50-year-old, who has been no stranger to making headlines since 2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018What they do well is that when they get close to the high hits, they really show that to the referee.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has accused France of ‘simulation’ tactics<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Italy had a try ruled out following a high hit on France scrum-half Maxime Lucu last week<\/p>\n
\u2018They do simulate sometimes a little bit which is clever and obviously works.<\/p>\n
\u2018I think they\u2019re very clear at that, very good at that.\u2019<\/p>\n
Erasmus regularly airs his views on rugby\u2019s big issues on social media.<\/p>\n
On the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, he released an hour-long video hitting out at refereeing decisions.<\/p>\n
His latest comment surrounding France is sure to raise tensions ahead of what is a mouthwatering last-eight clash.<\/p>\n
It is unclear what specific incidents involving French players Erasmus was referring to.<\/p>\n
But one may well have been a tackle on scrum-half Maxime Lucu by an Italian player as the Azzurri pushed for a try against France in the two team\u2019s final Pool A clash at this World Cup.<\/p>\n
Lucu was hit high and made that clear. The result was an Italian try being ruled out.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
France lock Thibaud Flament said simulation is not something that\u00a0characterises their play<\/p>\n
Another similar clash took place between France flanker Anthony Jelonch and Australia\u2019s Marika Koroibete in a Test in July 2021.<\/p>\n
Erasmus\u2019 comments will only serve to increase the pressure on New Zealand official Ben O\u2019Keeffe who will be the referee in the France and South Africa game this weekend.<\/p>\n
Asked for a response to Erasmus\u2019 views, France lock Thibaud Flament said: \u2018It\u2019s not something I\u2019ve really noticed. I think all teams seem to do it.<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s not something we prepare specifically or try and do. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s something that characterises our play.\u2019<\/p>\n
South Africa have a fully fit squad to pick from for France.<\/p>\n
Les Bleus are set to recall captain and scrum-half Antoine Dupont for the quarter-final after he recovered from cheekbone surgery.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Erasmus\u2019 comments will increase the pressure on referee Ben O\u2019Keeffe for Sunday’s game<\/p>\n
\u2018I don\u2019t think lack of fitness will be a problem. I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever actually seen him sweat on the field,\u2019 Erasmus said of Dupont.<\/p>\n
\u2018He\u2019s so emotionless when he plays and he always looks so in control.<\/p>\n
\u2018Obviously he\u2019s the captain and the whole of France \u2013 the whole world \u2013 has respect for him.<\/p>\n
\u2018I\u2019ve no doubt he will play and he\u2019ll be a big challenge for us.\u2019<\/p>\n