Rassie Erasmus: Mauling was ‘dying’, Springboks’ controversial law innovations were a ‘rebellion’ against World Rugby’s officiating

Rassie Erasmus says that the Springboks’ midfield maul tactics were a rebellion against the way in which World Rugby referees were officiating.

The controversial innovation debuted last year at Test level when South Africa tackled Italy in the second July international between the two nations, with the Boks taking inspiration from a viral clip from Paul Roos’ U14s.

When they deployed the tactic against the Azzurri, they did so twice in the fixture and scored two tries from the ploy. However, it was less effective later on in the year against the likes of the Wallabies and All Blacks, who had