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Rassie Erasmus issues public apology and offers view on referee O'Keeffe

24 Sep 2023

outh Africa Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus looks on during the pre match warm up ahead of the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France on September 23, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)

Springboks Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has shared a public apology on Twitter in the wake of South Africa’s 13-8 loss to Ireland.

Expectations were high for the Springboks after riding a six-game winning streak into the highly anticipated clash with the world’s number one ranked side.

But the defending champions fell short in a gladitorial battle where defence restricted both sides to a try apiece.

Goal kicking separated the two sides with scrumhalf Faf de Klerk missing two long-range attempts inside his own half and flyhalf Mannie Libbok missing one conversion and one penalty.

Ireland scored six second half points on two scrum penalties to take a 13-8 lead which they held onto when South Africa’s final maul attempt failed.

Erasmus congratulated Ireland for the win and issued a public apology to South Africa with a promise to “work harder and make you proud”.

The former head coach also added his opinion on referee Ben O’Keeffe, writing “also nice to be involved in a game so intense and physical without the referee getting too much involved!”

“Well done Ben and your team.”

Congrats to the Irish and sorry🇿🇦!We will just work harder and make you proud! Also nice to be involved in a game so intense and physical without the referee getting too much invloved! Well done Ben and your team.Thank you🇿🇦 for all the support was really lekka !! (maar hartseer)
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) September 24, 2023

South Africa are still in a strong position to qualify for the quarter-finals after beating Scotland in the opening week.

They face Tonga in their final game but have all but secured qualification barring a miraculous turn of events from Scotland, who need to beat Ireland handsomely, restricting them to no losing bonus points, and secure bonus point wins over Tonga and Romania.

Should Pool A finish with France on top, South Africa will draw the hosts in a quarter-final to be played at the same venue, Stade de France in Paris.

Belief is still high within the Springboks camp that they can replicate their deeds from 2019, where they went on to win the World Cup after losing a pool game to New Zealand.

“Yeah, we can still (win the tournament). Obviously you have to (believe). We’re in this competition to win it,” head coach Jacques Nienaber said.

“Teams that lose a game in the pool stages must work hard to get out of the pool, so definitely we can still win it.

“We played against the number one team in the world and we lost by five points and we had opportunity in the 79th minute to get a result.”

Comments

61 Comments

FW 17 days ago

Major double standard — and it's something that frustrates a lot of fans.

When Rassie Erasmus made his now-infamous video critiquing officiating during the Lions series in 2021, World Rugby (WR) came down hard: ➡️ Banned for 2 months from matchday activities ➡️ Suspended from all rugby for 12 months (with conditions) ➡️ Public condemnation

But then fast forward to Australia’s second test defeat to the British & Irish Lions in 2025, and suddenly you have:

Aussie commentators slating the referee on live TV

Former players and coaches making sharp, personal criticisms

Social media campaigns fueled by national outrage

And yet... WR is completely silent.

Blanco 691 days ago

Agree Marx is major loss. France's wide defense is their weakness and they may need Mannie on the pitch to exploit that. They need to win this game with a more comprehensive approach. We saw some of it against Ireland.

Jonathan 693 days ago

I'd like to disagree with the officiating. Ben O'Keefe was was good at letting the game flow but that was it. He and his colleagues missed 2 blatant obstructions from SA (13 and 16). Ireland Scrum in the first half was atrocious. Ire 1 in the first scrum had his elbow on the floor, later scrums their knees were grounded and this was all missed right in front of O'Keefes eyes. Rolling away calls were not made fairly as Ire like to milk the position of SA players to get Pens. Multiple cheap shots from IRE players like the one on Faf when he was trying to make a charge down. Neck Rolls, holding players in the ruck also aplenty. Lets also point out the cynical play from Nche that was made clear to the ref by the IRE players but he nor the AR couldn't be arsed to check. The ruling at the last play of the game was also shocking, IRE 12 in from the side, lifting a players leg and collapsing the maul in fron of the ref with IRE 1 also offside from the get go. 2 Penalisable offenses so close to the line you could argue a penalty try. Both sides made bad plays on each other in a heated game, which is understandable in such a big game. But, I would like to point out that only water is allowed to be brought onto the field during drinks breaks. Please, do yourselves a favor and watch the game again. Blatant use of Crampfix, the little black bottle/ sachet that the IRE medics and players seem to think is water, as well as the use of grip spray on the field is against the rules and this should be well known to the IRE layers, medics and coaching staff. The sight of this was disgusting. Rugby is a game that is played hard, but with respect. Respect for the laws of the game, the opposition team and the fans who spend lots of money and time to go and watch this awesome sport. Ireland took a piss on the game by doing that. World rugby needs to open their eyes and hold teams, individual players and especially the referees accountable for what happens in games so that future errors can hopefully be mitigated.

Blanco 692 days ago

Erasmus managing his team via spotlight is legal and not taking the piss?

You throw in a couple of wrongs against Ireland for balance and then flytip a lorry load of garbage ontop them labelling them as 'disgusting'?

Most South Africans took yet another defeat to Ireland with dignity. A few can't help themselves and blame/insult the team who were faster, cleverer and more clinical on the day. Ireland's ruck speed was almost 5 seconds and you still couldn't win? Ireland lost their first 4 lineouts and you lost?

SA can't solve problems on the fly and rely on Rassie's stage light for guidance.

Let's be honest last year you beat a tired England in the final, a semi against Wales (who eliminated 14 man France) and beat a tired/depleted Japan in the Quarters.

You are actually better this year but France will win by a couple of scores in your QTR. Start practising your excuses.

william 693 days ago

I think you put that very succinctly Jonathan and I learnt a bit more about the rules..for instance I didn't know about " only water only allowed to be brought on " as I could see all the packets of bring consumed on the TV camera and sprays but thought that must be the new modern Era of taking substances and medication etc. That was legit

Pecos 693 days ago

Is that you Jaco?

paul 693 days ago

That's a very typical SA response to a loss. SA hard done by and reffed atrociously again. Go back and analyze the game again and look at how many times the ref might have got it wrong with some of the decisions against Ireland too. Refs are human and don't see every little thing that goes on in a game and don't always interpret what they do see to everyone's liking. Oh and while you're at it, while your lambasting Ireland for not playing in the "spirit" of the game, you might reflect on South African rugby's constant attempt to manipulate the rules to suit themselves. If a straw poll was taken around the rugby world asking which team is most likely to complain and stretch the rules, it is most likely that South Africa would top that poll. Perpetual victim complex. Spirit of the game indeed. Pffftttt

DM 694 days ago

I think Ben O'Keefe Did a great job, couple of slip-ups but no one's perfect, he had a good read on the game very bipartisan and kept the game flowing, rugby would be a lot more tantalizing to watch if all refs played similar roles.davej.

PC 695 days ago

He's right. Kiwi ref knows how to manage the game to ensure entertaining. He was brilliant. Credit to SA for being prepared to play at pace. Best game I have seen in a long time.

lot 695 days ago

I guess Ireland's Bomb Dismantaling Unit did their job on the night... Bomb Squad failed 🤣 🤣

CO 695 days ago

Hasn't Rassie been warned about publically critiquing the performance of referees?

How is telling the ref they've done a good job and why any different to telling the ref they've done a bad job and why?

Dan 694 days ago

Its the difference between criticism and praise. Refs don't like it when they're critiqued on a poor performance even though players and coaches have to accept constructive criticism. When it's praise, nobody minds they just lap it up and enjoy the warm fuzzys. Agree with RE it was well reffed

Northandsouth 695 days ago

If two people replied to your comment and one said you made an excellent point and one said you were clearly deranged, are you suggesting you would react exactly the same to both?

Johan 695 days ago

Who made the stupid decision to go for poles from halfway with no kicker? Forewards had way better chance close to line. Try, penalty, card, pressure??? Team played great. Management failed them with that traffic light through jitters

Mark 694 days ago

Agree that traffic light system could give any team the kicking jitters. We also need to realise that 5pts and one of the conversions came directly from faf's missed 3pointer (which should never have been a shot anyway, like his 2nd attempt). So missed 3pts =+5pts and a missed 2pts. If Faf had scored SAf would have only ended up with 6 points plus 1 missed penalty by libbok and 1 missed 55 yard penalty by Faf. All this kicking talk is just an excuse.

Left Winger 695 days ago

Never mind about the referee Rassie, just acknowledge Ireland were the better side on the night. No-one likes losing, but it happens! Sometimes to very good teams.

A bit of grace and humility would confer respect ( to your opposition) and that is what rugby is all about.

Why is that so difficult for you?

sam 695 days ago

Did you read the article ???? That’s exactly what he did.

Pieter 695 days ago

We will support the Springboks every step of the way. Appreciate the sorry now go win the world cup for us.

Blanco 692 days ago

Japan, Wales, Tired England last time.

Greatest French team in history in Paris, England...with Ireland possibly in the final. Do you now see why both teams played with the intensity of a final?

EW 695 days ago

The 7-1 split is gone for good (riddance).

Northandsouth 695 days ago

If SA beat France and end up playing Wales in the semis (highly possible), I reckon they'll totally pick a 7-1 bench. Also in an unlikely but possible final against NZ. But not likely against France or Ireland again, I'd agree.

JD 695 days ago

What possible relevance in the context of yesterday's game?

Leon 695 days ago

Fact is, you Mr Expert, has never heard of the 7:1 split before a month ago.

CG 695 days ago

Ireland were better and deserved to win.

Brutish moron mode only goes so far if you don’t have a few skills.

The dumb blob made a difference for about five minutes

Nanana saffers, nobody like you

sam 695 days ago

Chris - you have a lot to learn. Go comment on u10 rugby - you pathetic.

Linton 695 days ago

What an absolute childish comment. I ain't no SA supporter but I thought they played bloody well and if it wasn't for some poor shots at goal it could have gone a lot different. Very poor rugby supporter you are.

Chris 695 days ago

Chris, your a cunning stunt!

Jaco 695 days ago

We can't afford having someone like Libbok in any world cup game. We need every single point coming to our side. Therefore we need a stable kicker who can make points under pressure

Left Winger 695 days ago

Match wasn't lost because of the place kicking.

Derek 695 days ago

Dead leg Libbock couldn't hit a barn door with a tank, all we've seen from him is misses. How on earth does Rassie expect to get us to the final without a kicker? He has a chance now to fix this but if Libbock comes out kicking in the next match then Rassie should consider another line of work.

MR 694 days ago

Derek... Let Manie be. He has the potential to be one of the greatest generals. They need to build his confidence. Pollard to retire from Test rugby soon and then what? Looking at great FH'v who were averaged from the boot. Larkham had assistance from Mortlock and Roff when he's off target... Barret in his prime was master class, but had Jordie and even Junior once kicked. Sanches at times had Boffelli, Cubeli and De La Fuente.

Ever seen Ritchie behind that Crusaders pack? That is what Manie has with that ton in front of him. With the right influence he could be the best.

Left Winger 695 days ago

Not sure parachuting in Pollard, days before the big game, was an intelligent move - it may well have psychologically undermined Libbok's kicking prowess. Libbok is (usually) a competent kicker, but he is also an exceptional play maker; to drop Libbok in favour of Pollard would be a mistake.

Liam 695 days ago

I can see why SA fans are upset about missing points from penalties and if they had scored they would have won the game. But, remember the one that hit the goalpost led to their try. Also, if Irelands first 4 lineouts had worked as they usually do they would have scored at least one try and maybe two. Ireland scoring accuracy from the line out inside the oppositions 22 is very high. So both teams have work to do, I would love a repeat of yesterdays game in the final

Toddy 695 days ago

I thought they missed Am, mapinpi and Moodie in the backline more than a good kicker

Johann 695 days ago

How can you possibly win a tough game without a recognisedkicker in your team?

I agree with the fellow who called mane, ... misbok ... Said from the beginning he is not good enough ...

Furthermore, those jerseys are ridiculous ... To be a Springbok is gold and green ...

Northandsouth 695 days ago

New rules say two teams can't wear close colours so that colourblind people can more easily tell them apart. That's also why France wore white in the opener against NZ. One of France or SA will be in alt kit for quarterfinal as well I'm pretty sure.

Kevin 695 days ago

Yes the kicking was not good. Both Faf and Mannie made a fundamental kicking error of not following the intended pathway of the ball. They allowed the kicking foot to hook the ball. So whilst the ball started in an intended direction, which was good, by allowing the foot to hook, the final direction of the ball followed the path of the hook.

Johnny 695 days ago

Rassie is a smart guy, no doubt. But having NO DECENT PLACE KICKER for the World Cup is beyond belief. That…and our poor discipline (missed gimme opportunities), cost us dearly last night. It is a big ask for any Team to take on the world’s best with this kind of handicap. So what on earth were Jacques and Rassie hoping for?

Dave 695 days ago

Any half decent coach with the talent available in South Africa would do well. He and Van Grann at Munster won nothing very over rated

brian 695 days ago

Rassie

is no such thing cobber. Just look at the problems he has caused the Springboks over the years, he should never be anywhere near that team!

Guy 695 days ago

Saying so many banalities in so few words is a feat...

Fritz 695 days ago

Coaching stuff says that goal kicking not the problem, so who must work harder, on their way to undone all their hard work with Manie Misbok.

Dave 695 days ago

Bad decisions from Rassie with his lights. Why not kick to the corner and use the line-out maul. People in the pub I was in where happy to see them kick for goal

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