SA Rugby’s delegation, led by Rassie Erasmus, joined forces with France to defeat the Aussies and Kiwis at World Rugby’s Shape of the Game conference in London.
According to Rapport‘s sources, South Africa spent the past three months aligning with key unions – notably France – to resist proposals that would have significantly altered elements of the 15-man game.
The summit brought together CEOs of leading rugby nations, high-performance managers, referees and coaching representatives. South Africa’s contingent included Erasmus, Jaco Peyper, Rian Oberholzer, Dave Wessels and Felix Jones.
In the end, no major law changes were approved – a result viewed as a victory for those determined to preserve rugby’s traditional pillars.
“South Africa just wanted rugby to remain rugby and nothing else,” a reliable source told Rapport.
“Just because one or two other countries compete with the AFL and rugby league doesn’t mean everyone has to.
“South Africa wants rugby to remain a sport for all sizes and heights. The scrums and drives make rugby unique compared to other codes.
“This is where South Africa has already built up a gene pool.”
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There had reportedly been strong momentum for sweeping changes, particularly around set-pieces, but that push stalled.
“South Africa and France have worked well together,” the source added.
“There was a lot of momentum to make big changes to rugby, but they should do that in sevens, for example.
“They shouldn’t be messing with 15-man rugby. South Africa was successful in helping to protect rugby’s identity at the conference.
“It’s gratifying that people finally want to keep rugby rugby after there was good momentum to make big changes.”
While South Africa did not get everything it wanted – including immediate straight feeds at scrums – it was agreed that hookers must actively hook the ball rather than having it rolled under the flankers’ feet.
Photo: Gareth Everett/Getty Images
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