Rassie Erasmus backs Eddie Jones over scheduling criticism, voices frustration over red cards

Key facts

• Rassie Erasmus publicly backed Eddie Jones on social media after Jones criticized moving Japan's home fixture against Ireland to Australia.
• Japan and Fiji are the only teams required to move home matches overseas in the inaugural Nations Championship.
• South Africa beat Italy 32-14 in Turin, but finished with 14 men after Franco Mostert's red card.
• Siya Kolisi's 100th Test was marred by a red card dismissal against France the previous week.
• Erasmus expressed sadness over the impact of card decisions on captain Kolisi and Ben-Jason Dixon.
• Erasmus's contract was extended for four more years by SARU, confirmed by President Mark Alexander.
• Erasmus attended World Rugby's Shape of the Game conference, signaling improved relations.

Erasmus throws weight behind Jones's scheduling outburst

Rassie Erasmus has publicly backed Eddie Jones after the Japan head coach launched a blistering critique of Test match scheduling and alleged political influence in the global game. Jones questioned the decision to move Japan's home fixture against Ireland to Newcastle, Australia, on July 11 as part of the inaugural Nations Championship. Japan and Fiji are the only teams in the tournament required to stage home matches abroad, with Fiji playing all three of its fixtures in Britain. On the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones did not hold back, suggesting the situation was made clear behind the scenes. Erasmus, posting an image of Jones on social media, wrote: 'We dont always agree, but really admire this honesty and no fear mentality.' The endorsement from the double World Cup-winning coach amplifies Jones's concerns and adds weight to calls for a review of the competition's structure.

A conflicted coach after gritty win over Italy

Erasmus cut a conflicted figure after South Africa's 32-14 victory over Italy in Turin, praising his side's adaptability while laying bare his frustration over another week dominated by card decisions and head-contact flashpoints. The Springboks finished with 14 men after Franco Mostert's red card, just days after Siya Kolisi's milestone 100th Test was also marred by a red card dismissal against France. Erasmus did not lash out at the refereeing but admitted he was sad for the knock-on effect on his captain and Ben-Jason Dixon. 'It is what it is. What I say can’t make a difference. I’m just grateful that we had Ben O’Keeffe on the one side and an experienced referee (in James Doleman),' Erasmus said. 'I’m not saying it in a negative way. What I can say is that it’s sad that our captain, who had to make that sacrifice in his 100th game and in this game.' The coach's measured tone contrasted with the emotional toll he described.

Tackle zone officiating leaves tall players struggling

Erasmus said tackle zone officiating was leaving his tallest players struggling to stay compliant. 'I always thought we wanted to get to 20-minute red cards, and we have to re-check on that, but it’s not my place to talk about it. However, for a captain to twice in a week to suffer for us to win is sad,' he said. He noted that losing two locks in two games for going lower than they can go is tough to understand, especially for two-meter-tall players facing opponents on their knees. 'Again, I’m not saying anyone is wrong, but we don’t know how to coach guys to go lower, especially for a two-meter-tall guy to face someone who is on his knees is tough. And then to play with 13 men, and them with 14 for a while, it was tougher than last week,' Erasmus added. Despite the circumstances, South Africa's defence and control down the stretch secured a third straight win on tour.

Emotional toll on individuals despite team success

Erasmus said it was impossible to separate the satisfaction of the result from the emotional toll on those copping the sanctions. 'Yes, we have a way to adapt, but it’s unfair on individuals like Siya and Ben-Jason (Dixon), who received a chance for the first time in a long time,' he said. He emphasized that the team is very proud of how they level change and avoid head contact, yet they have received so many red cards, with Makazole Mapimpi and Jasper Wiese both getting six-week suspensions. 'We are really trying hard,' Erasmus said. The coach's comments highlight a growing tension between player safety protocols and the practical challenges of coaching tall athletes to stay low in tackles. The Springboks' discipline under pressure remains a concern as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Erasmus's future secured and role in shaping the game

Erasmus's contract has been extended for a further four years, confirmed by SARU President Mark Alexander at SA Rugby's general meeting. The double World Cup-winning coach also attended World Rugby's Shape of the Game conference in London last week, where the future of the sport and a range of topics were discussed. This signals improved relations between Erasmus and World Rugby, following past tensions over his public criticisms of refereeing. Ireland legend Keith Wood has described Erasmus as the 'villain' who can 'save' the game, suggesting his innovations have pushed the laws and could lay the foundation for the game's next stage of evolution. Erasmus has also addressed the favourites tag for the 2027 World Cup, with the Boks now in unfamiliar territory as favourites after previously being underdogs.

Looking ahead: Nations Championship and World Cup preparations

With the Nations Championship set to begin, the scheduling controversy involving Japan and Fiji remains unresolved. Erasmus's backing of Jones adds pressure on World Rugby to address the inequities. Meanwhile, South Africa's tour continues, with the team aiming to refine their discipline while maintaining their winning form. Erasmus's transparent approach, including an 'open mic' session with media, has provided insight into his planning for defending the World Cup crown in Australia next year. The Springboks' ability to adapt under adversity will be tested further, but Erasmus's leadership and long-term contract provide stability. The coming weeks will reveal whether the team can balance the demands of player safety with the physicality that has defined their success.

The bottom line

• Rassie Erasmus publicly supported Eddie Jones's criticism of Nations Championship scheduling, highlighting inequities for Japan and Fiji.
• Erasmus expressed frustration over red cards and head-contact sanctions, particularly the emotional impact on captain Siya Kolisi.
• South Africa's 32-14 win over Italy was marred by Franco Mostert's red card, the second in as many games for the Springboks.
• Erasmus's contract extension through 2027 ensures continuity as the team prepares to defend its World Cup title.
• Improved relations between Erasmus and World Rugby were evident at the Shape of the Game conference.
• The challenge of coaching tall players to stay low in tackles remains a key issue for the Springboks.