EPCR statement: Reprieve for Bristol after London Irish suspension

Erasmus was banned twice. Both times for attacking referees. Despite serving a 12mth ban for attacking Nic Berry, within a short time he was also attacking Wayne Barnes. Both times using social media thereby directing fans vitriol directly at Barnes and his family (death threats etc); the WR (2nd ban) was suspended from attending SA’S matches “all matchday activities” vs Italy and England (2022) but also, specifically, from “engagement with media and social media in relation to match officials”.

Both incidents as Head coach of an international team (thereby under WR)

Dave Rennie was NOT banned by WR

Michael Cheika was NOT banned by WR

Eddie Jones was NOT banned by WR.

Erasmus has been banned TWICE at Test level. He knows what he’s doing. To do so once is bad enough, to be banned a 2nd time soon thereafter and with specific terms is arrogant and nothing less than cheating.

Graham Henry filed a report to IRB (now WR) 1 year after the RWC 2007 regarding the AB loss to France. This process followed the rules set down by the sport’s governing body. It was dealt with via the agreed and proper channels and was not released for public consumption. To argue that Erasmus didnt know what he was doing, 10+ years later, is treating fans and opposition teams, players and officials as idiots. He was directly attacking referees with the intention of pressuring them to benefit the Springboks.

Everyone understands that SARU, its coaches, players and fans dont care how they win as long as they do. Nothing has changed since they had their own referees controlling Springbok Tests at home. It is why fans even feel compelled to also attack the referee, physically (the fat pig who attacked D.McHugh). All other teams are working within the system, showing respect to match officials and, thereby, opposition teams. Only 1 Head Coach has been banned once at Test level. And twice. Why do you think Erasmus didnt get WR Coach of the Year ? you wont find the answer in Rapport.

Rieko plays on the wing every week. Feel free to ignore next time.

Most of these (excl EB) it is more about their place in the team, with each possibly being over taken for their starting position. What are they going to do? Do we (or does he) need/want Taylor as a backup? Whats he on a year? I’d say he’s a keeper if he’s willing to stay in NZ. Can Scott Barrett transition to the blindside and fight to keep his captaincy or will he be happy to relinquish it and start being more of an impact player off the bench?

It’s much the same for the others. Moving year.

That SAn prop commentator was a crack up always telling off the Barbarians for having a go. “that wasn’t really on from the Baabaas, should have taken the tackle” LOL

Had to laugh when the ref stopped the game for his comms with just 2 minutes remaining. Sort it out World Rugby.

That is the definition of poaching and cherry picking, and I honestly find it disgraceful.

Surely they have some young blood they should be trying? Really good performance nevertheless.

Was a good game by the Barbarians, enjoyed the bit of flair they tried to bring to it. Thought JRK, Jemina, and TKB were good value. They were lucky to have TKB their who seemed to provide about the only continuity the team had in the way he could link with some of the french runners. Leicester is going to need a fair bit of competitive rugby back in NZ before he could claim an AB return I fear, a couple of seasons away again now. Has a nice backdoor pass though.

Tele’a was probably the only Barbarian player of true class that could match the SA A team toe to teo though.

As for the Lions having the last laugh, I don’t know. Tomos Williams (the 9) looked pretty sore coming off.

Also really showed that the Lions wanna play fast rugby, against arguably one of the fastest teams in the world. Not a brilliant idea I think, considering they looked absolutely gassed by halftime against the 9th placed SRP team.