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'Straight out lie': New Zealand commentator blasts Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus
By Ben Smith
New Zealand rugby commentator and personality Scotty Stevenson has sensationally taken aim at Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus for “gaming the system”.
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Stevenson also criticised Erasmus’ demeanour this week for treating the world like “his own empire” over the way the Springboks handled the Eben Etzebeth selection.
Originally ruled out through injury, Etzebeth made a “miraculous” recovery to be named on the bench for the clash with the All Blacks.
Speaking on his SENZ Radio Show Scotty & Izzy, Stevenson suggested that this was essentially a “straight out lie” that goes beyond gamesmanship.
“The All Blacks team was named five o’clock last night. Now, there was plenty of chat on the run home last night, but we’ll talk about the Kiwis in a second,” Stevenson said on SENZ Radio.
“But what about Rassie Erasmus? Does he just treat the world like his own kind of empire now, does he?
“If Eben Etzebeth has been named on the bench a day after saying he’s been ruled out with a knee injury, he was never ruled out. That just doesn’t happen. And you know, the games this guy [Erasmus] plays, you know, like there’s a part of me that says is well played, sir. There’s another part of you that just gets sick of it.
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“And the one thing I saw notice the press conferences this week and the video coverage. Is it just me, or is Rassie Erasmus looking every day more like Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, leader of the House of Harkonnen from June? Like, seriously, what’s going on?
“How much Klippies [Brandy] and coke has he been on?
“Honestly, he’s just sitting there and he reminds me of, and this is not a weight issue, but he had the countenance of Jabba the Hutt, sort of a man just holding court and just knowing that he was the boss of his empire in that moment. It is really strange.
“But Eben Etzebeth, like there’s no way, if you’ve got an MCL that’s ruled you out of a test, you’re not starting on the bench.
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“So the one thing I’d say about that is, you know, it’s one thing to play games, it’s another just a straight out lie about your team list.
“I find that a little bit strange, especially given where sport is and the decisions people are making around sports. And I think, you know where I’m getting at for those listeners at home. You know, it’s just gaming the system.
“And, you know, I know he’s treated as king in South Africa, but you know, gee he treads a line, doesn’t he?”
Former All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg said the reversal on Eben Etzebeth was 100 per cent planned.
He went as far as saying that the team is named on Tuesday in order to play mind games with the opposition as late changes are permitted.
“Here in New Zealand, we got super ahead of ourselves, me personally thinking wow, Eben, he’s a huge loss,” Dagg said.
“One of the big factors in the Springboks squad, will go a long way [to deciding the test match].
“So you have to say, it was all part of the plan. It was 100% all part of the plan.
“There’s no rules, and no one’s going to shut them down because, well, the rules state, you can name your team, but you know, if there are injuries or someone recovers, you can change it.
“He names it early, probably for that simple fact, to play these games. 100 per cent.
“I think the cutoff day is Thursday, a couple of days out from Saturday. He names it early so he can play these games.”
Sumo is right, of course. Baron Harkkonen, ego further bloated by his No TMO cheated win at Ellis Park, dribbled some nonsense decree that he decided that he wouldnt cite Sam Cane because he was being "nice". Meanwhile telling the press that Kolisi had a "fractured cheekbone". Of course there was no fractured cheekbone, only a blood nose which was blindingly apparent from the actual footage. Cane was unlucky to get a penalty, let alone a YC or, worse, a RC which follows a successful citation.
Seriously Sumo. Grow tf up boy.
The pseudonym toting "Ben Smith" is truly not worth time in cyberspace but for those who are interested, South Africa has named it's Saturday team on Tuesday since Jan Pickard was president of Western Province who started calling a press conference at 12 midday at Newlands. Newlands was also the HQ of SA rugby and they adopted the WP model of Tuesday team announcements because the Editor of The Cape Argus which was the biggest daily in CT asked to have the announcement on Tuesday so it could go into one of the best selling editions the Wednesday noonday gun edition. So much for Bent Smith.
You really are a fuckn dickhead stevenson😆😆😆😆🤣🤣😁
I HOPE THIS LOSS VS SA MAKES THEM LOSE THEIR INSANE MINDS FURTHER. HUMPLE PIE LOL!!!!
WHEN U STOOPED SO LOW THAT U NOW ATTACK A MAN'S APPERANCE WHOSE BATTLING A SERIOUS ILLNESS LIKE THEY DID WITH RASSIE, IS THE SICKEST EVER. WHERE'S THE BASIC DECENCY, IS THIS WHAT NZ NOW HAS BECOME AS WELL, R THEY PRESENTING THE MINORITY OR THE MAJOIRTY OF THEIR COUNTRYMEN SPEWING ALL THESE VULGAR INSULTS. IMAGIANE THE HUMBLE PIE THEY HAVE TO SWALLOW AFTER THEIR 31-27 LOSS AT ELLIS PARK SATURDAY, THAT ALONE IS ENOUGH JUSTICE FOR ME AND NEXT WEEK WE HUMBLE YOU AGAIN, HOW SICK IS THIS WOW!!!!!!!!
Calm down
Just to give you an idea of how dumb and lazy Ben Smith is, look at this bit: “Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, leader of the House of Harkonnen from June?” The fictional character referenced is from Dune. Now, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing that, but Ben is so lazy he doesn’t even verify. What a disgrace to journalism. 😂
The three most pathetic New Zealanders , I didn't expect that from Israel D.....the other 2 court jesters on the other hand, absolutely. I lost all respect for Israel.
Almost like the not so great Lomu and his obesity after going walkabout every so often. At least Rassie has 2 WC medals. In jou fokking kop my bru....
What was that champ? I bit gutted by your teams performance you say?
Suck it up dude! History is written by the winners!!
World Rugby owns this site.
World Rugby would publicise comments about a sick coach undergoing chemo that looks like Jabbah the Hutt?
What would happen if they made this comment about a female rugby player or coach?
Disgraceful from every party involved; owner, editor or “reporter”…honestly.
I don't blame you for not reading the article properly!
You really don't need to hold back or use logic with Ben Smith articles.
What utterly disgraceful comments from this waste of oxygen Scott Stevenson. Git couldn't even be bothered to do the most basic level of research to see that Rassie has a long term illness that is affecting his appearance.
What he was doing, talking to other people about it, is the most basic level of research. Don't think you read the context.
Who in the world is Scott Stevenson. Never heard of him!
Reflection of your general knowledge. Not much between the lobs
Hahahahahhaha Ben, big L again.
Keep writing it Ben Smith and the other Rassie/Bok 9haters such as Matt Williams. I have always regarded myself a moderate having watched Wilson Whinery s team, Brian Lochore team, Andy Leslie's team and never felt like I do about AB rugby and their media like like I do now. To criticise Rassie for his appearance, accusing him of having had too much to drink and lauding it over over everybody is disgraceful. If ever, throughout the years anyone felt they "owned" rugby it was the New Zealanders.
This is of course exactly what the dressing room wants to hear.
We look forward to the demise of the ABs if only because of their media
So you "watched Whineray/Lochore/Leslie AB teams". the 1970 and 1976 tours of SA. When AB's were granted 4 X 'Honorary White' Visas. Only 4. Some ABs refused to sign on to the SA Govt Visa requirements and refused to tour - Billy Bush, a legendary Maori prop refused in 1970 but toured in '76. Others - BG Williams a 19yr Polynesian win did sign on for the Honorary White Visa and was the star of the tour. Remembering that George Nepia is one of the most famous ABs ever, but could never tour SA. Not the right 'look'.
All 8 x Tests on the 1970 and '76 tours were Sth African referees. The infamous Piet Robbertse (1970) and Gert Bezuidenhout (1976). Bezuidenhout, in particular, was making up decisions in the 3rd Test. Bezuidenhout was honest enough to say to AB's at the airport - yes, he made a special effort to farewell them at Jo'burg "listen boys, you can go to your homes, but I have to live here".
But, in your view, NZer's felt they "owned" rugby.
Your attitude is the exact reason why Bok fans still turn their head away from the cheating (no TMO at Ellis Park; Kolbe over the line for chargedown) and then attack referees when they lose (Bryce Lawrence, Nic Berry, Clive Norling). Doesnt matter how, as long as the Boks win. But you have the temerity to look forward to beating the 1 dominant team in history "because of their media".
Whahaa.. he's in your head, in your hhhhheaaaaddd Ben.... its so funny...
It's torture isn't it.🤣🤣🤣🤣
Pretty rich coming from NZ, 2013 they played a player that wasn’t even on the team sheet and at one point they had 15 on the field, despite having a yellow card.
Rassie is playing within the rules - so bugger offf!
Chickening out and going to watch the game in 8 hours. Hope SA take it easy on the ABs and give them one game to keep the series alive.
Would be good to have the first hotly contested TRC in ages go down to the wire!😅
They say the Springboks will win but the truth is all of us Nz and Sa like the contest and if one team dominates it becomes boring almost like the World Cup is to Terry. Here's hoping to one of the best tests of the year. The other will be the All Blacks wiping out Ireland in November😁
Knew it was a matter of time before the vitriol was going to flow. Have lunch with Matt Williams John Kirwan, Ben Smith and one or two other. Can you imagine the negative vibes. Tissues everyone
Disgusting to suggest the brandy and coke issue despite knowing about his health
Sumo is a good guy and commentator but so what?
These are silly comments
So what if was a very inane level of mind games
We all knew he would play in some capacity once he said he came through training
Rassie also clearly explained why he was ruled out of the initial announcement
As to the personal descriptions of Rassie that’s embarrassing Sumo
A quick google would tell you he has faced long term health issues
He’s an amazing coach and I’m absolutely certain if he hadn’t come on board the Boks would not be where they are now
It wouldn't be a massive test week without a bit of gamesmanship. All it means is the rivalry is alive and well, so bring it on I say. NZ always announce their team at the last possible minute, I guess that's a strategy in itself. I've never understood why SA announce so early, but if they have a strategy behind it, then fair play.
Rassie has a bit of Steve Hansen-esque confidence about him. A man at the top of his game, devoid of self doubt. Very different personalities of course, but both men exude(d) confidence which surely rubs off on the players.
Skewering the refs on social media was not cool, but the games more interesting with a bit of gamesmanship and Rassie's radical tactics, so bring it on. We'll see if it works for you.
I can't wait for Razor to have that... seeing him with the sweats all the time is strating to get me down...
Who cares what Rassie does, it's Rassie.
That's Doctor Rassie to you.
Before you make accusations of alcoholism.... In 2019 he was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a very uncommon disorder that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in your nose, sinuses, throat, lungs and kidneys.
The reason he looks unwell is because he is. How did you not know this when it was in his biography? How can you be a rugby journalist and not read one of the bert coaches books out there? Shows your bias
Ha ha, they really have no clue, they are terrified by Rassie, whether it was a scheme or not, so what! What a AH Ben Smith and his sheep are. Maybe he should stop "playing" with those sheep?
Anyone confirmed what he said? He said the guy, whoever he is, Scotty Stevenson or whatever said all this. I mean... It's a Ben Smith article. Everything he says I take with 50kg bag of salt. Only thing out of his mouth is drivel. You guys know at the end of the month, while driving past a sewerage farm? When it stinks 10 times as normal because everyone got paid and buy fast food? That's Ben Smith.
I'ts the Isreal Folau saga all over a again. Someone says something innocuous that is intended for its own closed group listeners, those on the radio or following someone on twitter. Then the big bad click hungry media comes along to profit.
The Scotty guy will know of Rassie's and SA's team naming policy, they are just trying to make fun of it for the views. Scott can get pretty carried away with some of his fair play stances around "spirit of the game" which he is big on but he's just another loose unit kinda like Rassie so all gud.
Once again Ben Smith, oh dear. Seeing that Rugbypass is owned by World Rugby, surely the constant Anti Bok hit-piece are a tacit approval by WR of his conduct.
Give me a break.
Having Ben Smith is enough we don't need your conspiracies too!
Some small minded straw grasps from irrelevant Ben. I just couldn't make it to the end.
Likewise ... Revolting
He’s in your head ….in your head …Rassie, Rassie Rassie🎵🎵
Just like so many pundits and news people they either don't listen or report incorrectly. Rassie said team was selected on Sunday morning, EE didn't have a torn ACL, it was more like a strained maniscus, the as R÷E stated, you can't be selected if you don't train Monday, but EE train Monday and he openly stated that they would see how he goes after Tuesday, meaning if he's good to go then he's in. No lieing
MCL injury?? Miniscus you Twat! Very different recovery.
Lol! Never heard of this guy, is he some random YouTube blogger? No mention of the respect Rassie pays NZ throughout the press briefing. Personal attacks on his physical appearance is the stuff of adolescent playground verbals - and he’s deemed worthy of airtime in NZ? Wow. microscopic polyangiitis with granulomatosis, this is an autoimmune disease Rassie suffers from. Ben Smith and his paymasters World Rugby should take a bow at scrapping the barrel on this one! 🤣
Doubt the so called NZ pundit said what he claims. Even if he did, that shows his character and that podcast is clearly looking for subscribers trying to get Saffas hyped and onto that platform. Not good enough content to attract members, so try the age old sweeping up emotions
I'm from NZ & apologise on his behalf...... Sumo really is just a goose
Are these kinds of puerile personal insults the new standard for New Zealand commentators?
He's an Adern fan no doubt. 100% soy diet.
I'm from NZ & apologise on his behalf...... Sumo really is just a goose 🪿
OH ,,,so Scotty & Izzy U mean cheating like the wheeton brothers when they jumped out side ways from the line out toget a penalty against, the Lions or it could have been wales not a premeditated foul?
U 2 r pathetic, or when Bismarck was sent off 4 squashing dc in a legitimate tackle in the 1st half,,,, or Fitzpatrick getting Andre venter sent off 4 hurting him ! U like 2 chellenge very one but when it’s met with disdain 4 U ,,,,,, OHHHH the SHAME!
Get over yourself, go play tiddliy winks!
It's none of your business what Rassie does about HIS team, you just wanna stay relevant about your comments, we don't run our mouths about the All Blacks so stay in your lane
I'm from NZ & apologise on his behalf...... Sumo really is just a tosser
The only amazing aspect of note is that its taken this long for someone to call Erasmus out. Clearly a rule unto himself. Karma is bitch tho, if SARU had any smarts they would pull his head in. WR wont allow another RWC in SA whilst their team continually thumb their nose at authority. It's an open secret that, despite being such a great rugby nation with huge stadiums and passionate fans, that after the tricks they pulled in 1995 - namely the Semi and Final - that SA dont have a shitshow of hosting another one. Can you imagine any other country having a Chairman (Louis Luyt) that offered the match referee a gold watch at the aftermatch and then saying that "the Springboks are the first true World Champions". Even NZ with their remote location, unattractive timezone and small stadia, was awarded a 2nd RWC Hosting rights before Sth Africa. Ignoring the WR suspension of Erasmus was just dumb. When corruption is just accepted as part of the social fabric, then its very hard to see past your own nose.
Confused...is it allowed for a coach to make last minute changes. If yes then what is the issue, why are we bent on looking for issues, let the NZ coach change his team if Eben on the bench is an issue
Yes it is. Springboks announce their team early on a Tuesday, Other teams do it on a Thursday. Rassie can Change it up in between. NZ can't because all teams are due by Thursday.