Erasmus responds to All Blacks' claims of a slow game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 6:51 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
Ahead of the test match at Ellis Park, Rassie Erasmus defended South Africa against accusations from New Zealand players and coaches that they deliberately slow the game. Erasmus pointed out that their recent encounters were not indicative of slow play, referencing last year's matches where each team had a victory. He mentioned that the new protocol restricting coach-referee meetings contributes to the tension. Meanwhile, the Springboks are monitoring the fitness of captain Siya Kolisi and prop Ox Nche before the match. New Zealand has called up Saula Ma'u as a replacement for injured Ollie Norris.
- •Erasmus defends Springboks against All Blacks' slow game accusations.
- •Recent matches featured one win for each team.
- •Kolisi and Nche are being assessed for fitness.
- •New Zealand lost Ollie Norris to injury and replaced him with Saula Ma'u.
- 6:51 PMYahoo Sports — Erasmus fires back at All Blacks' 'slow game' claims ahead of Ellis Park test
"It couldn't be South Africa vs. New Zealand without a phony war. Building to their first test at Ellis Park on Saturday, the touring All Blacks have been pushing the narrative that South African teams including the Springboks deliberately slow down the game to undermine New Zealand attempts to speed it up. Coach Dave Rennie, assistant Tana Umaga and senior player Codie Taylor have all made the claim while scoring 142 points and conceding 40 against three clubs.
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