Matt Williams says that he believes Rassie Erasmus didn’t leak the controversial video.
During the week, Springbok Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus spoke out for the first time since receiving a ban by World Rugby last November.
During the Lions Series test against South Africa last summer, a video was leaked online of Rassie Erasmus critising referee Nic Berry following South Africa’s 22-17 point loss in the first test. Subsequently Erasmus was banned by World Rugby for two months from all rugby activities and banned until September of this year from match day activities.
Rassie played 36 times for South Africa between 1997 and 2001. Erasmus scored 7 tries for the Springboks during that time. Erasmus started his coaching career with the Free State Cheetahs in South Africa but he later on had high profile jobs with the likes of Munster before taking over at South Africa.
Speaking out about the video that surfaced online, Erasmus said “People think I leaked that video but I didn’t”. Rassie completely denies leaking the video online. “Who leaks something like that? Why would I screw up my whole career to do that?". He continued “"I decided the only way to get clarity on the decisions was to send this voiceover video that the whole rugby world has now seen. I often send videos after the match. It is not unusual for me. I did it at the 2019 World Cup and it was all fine”.
Former Scotland and Leinster head coach, now pundit Matt Williams believes Rassie did not leak the video. “I saw only negatives..I never subscribed to the belief that he leaked it” Williams said. “What are the possible benefits?”. Williams doesn’t think there were any benefits to anyone with the video being leaked. Williams made the point that the video just made Rassie look bad and questioned why would he put his career on the line like that.
Williams said that coaches are in constant communication with referees in the lead up to big games and that even videos like the one Erasmus made are not uncommon. "The only thing unusual about that was that the world got to see it" Williams said.
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