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Renaldo Bothma posts 'life-changing' croc-roll injury that ended his career

The croc-roll that ended Renaldo Bothma's career.

In response to the controversy around the red card issued during Scotland’s 32-15 loss to South Africa at Murrayfield on Sunday, former Namibian international Renaldo Bothma has posted a video of his own career-ending injury to emphasize the dangers of the “croc-roll” tackle technique.

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Scotland were trailing 5-0 after Makazole Mapimpi’s opening try and then suffered a major setback in the 11th minute when lock Scott Cummings was yellow-carded for a croc-roll tackle on South Africa’s Franco Mostert at a ruck.

Working in tandem with flanker Rory Darge in the clearout, Cummings appeared surprised when television match official Ian Tempest suggested that on-field referee Christophe Ridley review the tackle, resulting in the second-row’s yellow card.

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The 20-min red card explained by referee Karl Dickson

Referee Karl Dickson explains the 20-min red card system that is in place during the Autumn Nations Series.

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The 20-min red card explained by referee Karl Dickson

Referee Karl Dickson explains the 20-min red card system that is in place during the Autumn Nations Series.

A few minutes later and the decision was upgraded to a red card following a review by Tual Trainini – the foul play review official. The upgrade left Scotland with 14 players for 20 minutes and stirred a vocal reaction from the Murrayfield crowd, as many believed Cummings’ actions were not malicious.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend wasn’t pleased, suggesting the incident had mitigating circumstances. “Scott was clearing contact, and the scrum-half’s sudden movement forced him off balance, which led to his contact with the jackalling player’s leg,” Townsend explained. “But given the dynamic speed of the game, I felt a red card was harsh.”

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus expressed partial agreement, though he voiced frustration at his team’s inability to capitalize more fully on Scotland’s temporary reduction to 14 men.

Following the match, Bothma took to social media to share his perspective on the dangers of the croc-roll. Accompanying a video of his own injury, which resulted in four surgeries, permanent nerve damage, and the end of his playing career, Bothma wrote: “Seeing lots of comments on the red card, so here’s my perspective: a croc roll ended my career, paralyzed my foot, led to 4 surgeries, and brought lifelong mental challenges. Croc rolls aren’t just dangerous—they’re life-changing. Player safety has to come first.”

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4 Comments
B
Bull Shark 2 days ago

Croc rolls are horrendous. Red cards each and every time so they disappear from the game completely and forever.

H
Hellhound 2 days ago

Agreed. It can and have ended careers. We all want a tight tough sport but fair. Things like that is just not good for the game.

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Hellhound 46 minutes ago
'If we win the World Cup in 3 years, no one remembers the blitz not working'

If they win the WC in 3 years... How about start winning each game before then starting on Saturday? How will you win a WC if you can't even win a game now? There is no winning culture there.


Let me ask this... Is your excuses for losing against the Boks written by Thursday and ready to hand out with the team announcement?


Because that is the wrong thing to say currently. The English isn't winning any games currently except against Tier 2 nations. Granted it's close losses, but instead of getting better, they seem to get worse.


SA is targeting the English game with their best. The Boks is in great form, despite the Scottish game. The Scottish would have destroyed the English on Saturday if they played them instead of the Boks. They were brilliant despite the scoreline.


I'd suggest that they concentrate on the next game. Each and every time. Forget about the WC and 6N. Start by winning each game you play. It doesn't matter if it's an ugly win or not. It doesn't matter if people say you play boring rugby.


Winning is winning. Extravagant or not. If their minds is on the WC already they will lose. Yes, build depth for the WC in 3 years time. Get the talent and test them. Give them that chance to compete like Rassie does. Learn from a coach who is arguably the best coach ever.


You don't need to play like the Boks. All that is needed is to get the talent in for the WC in 3 years time, but to say IF WE WIN the WC, but you can't even win a game...

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