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Springboks ramp up verbal warfare prior to All Blacks Test The Springboks have again highlighted some areas where the All Blacks are not necessarily playing ‘within the law’. The heat is well and truly ramping up prior to the Springboks’ first Test against the All Blacks this Saturday, with some key messaging coming out of some big press conferences at the start of the week. On Monday, Rassie Erasmus highlighted how the media had to be used to send messages to officials, while shooting down reports about SA’s sides slowing down play. It’s clear that plenty of feedback has been received and reviewed after the All Blacks’ first three tour games, which included a hard-fought win over the Stormers before more one-sided victories over the Sharks and Bulls. Springboks highlight frustrations felt by domestic teams During a press conference on Tuesday, assistant coach Felix Jones was clearly prepared to highlight some areas where they want the referees to ensure the All Blacks play within the laws. “A couple of things caught the franchises out and a couple of themes were consistent across the feedback (we received). One was around the breakdown, where they experienced tucked shoulders going in, which the franchises weren’t happy with, and a reversed-arm non-wrapping action. “The other was that the franchises were actually quite happy with the opportunities they created, getting into scoring positions around 10m out, with multiple lineout opportunities there, but they were frustrated they couldn’t score from the driving maul. It’s tough when there’s someone pulling or trying to lift a leg or going off their feet. Those were probably the two main themes. “We’re all for the physical side of the game, as everyone is aware. We just want it to be within the laws. So, we’re aware of it going into the game.” Jones added: “We’ve coached against Dave Rennie (All Blacks head coach) with Glasgow and with Australia, and the word ‘brutal’ follows his coaching, and there are some amazing elements to how quickly they get their ruck speed going. But World Rugby’s number one priority is safety, so we just want to make sure that physicality and brutality stays within the laws.” Who will referee this first Test? This opening Test will be officiated by Matthew Carley (England), who established himself as a mainstay on the world referee stage. His major career appointments include officiating at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France and taking charge of the 2024 Champions Cup final between Leinster and Toulouse. Carley has officiated several high-profile Tests involving South Africa, and the Springboks hold a remarkably strong record under his whistle. VIEW RUGBY’S GREATEST RIVALRY APPOINTMENTS >> SA Rugby laws advisor Jaco Peyper said they had full faith in the match officials appointed for the Tests, and that the laws would be applied well. “These three referees for the series were appointed based on experience and what they’ve done in the last 12 months. They are incredibly strong characters, and won’t be pushed around. “They get annoyed when teams try to tell them how to referee because they’ve earned the right to be here and they know the game. What you know with Matthew (Carley) is you’re going to have a firm referee. Someone who deals decisively at the breakdown and is very strong on anything negative or cynical. And he does not get influenced by the home crowd.”