Springboks delighted for flag reprieve, says Rassie Erasmus

PARIS – South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus was glad the Springboks will be able to fly their flag in this weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

On Tuesday, Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa said an appeal was lodged with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after South Africa was given until Friday to update its anti-doping legislation in compliance with the new World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) rules.

South Africa is almost certain to miss the deadline, which would have triggered a ban on the Springboks flying their flag and playing the national anthem at Sunday’s clash against France in Paris.

Wada later confirmed that South Africa would be free to fly their flag until the CAS has formally heard the case.

“Whatever happened, we would be representing South Africa,” said Erasmus. “Even if it went the other way, the boys would be totally focused on the match. We’re glad that it’s in a way sorted out.”

He can now concentrate on preparing his side to face the hosts, who will be boosted by the availability of influential captain Antoine Dupont.

The scrum-half has been given the all-clear to return to full training after fracturing his cheekbone three weeks ago.

“I broke my jaw three times and you can get leaner because you can’t eat,” Erasmus joked.

“A lack of fitness won’t be a problem for him. The surgeon cleared him. I have no doubt he will play and will be a big challenge for us to try and contain him.”

France ended their group campaign top of Pool A, thanks to a 60-7 victory over Italy.

During the game, the Azzurri had a try overturned after prop Simone Ferrari made a high challenge on France’s Maxime Lucu who then reacted extravagantly.

“I think what they do well is when they get close to high hits, they really show that to the referee,” Erasmus said.

“They do simulate sometimes a little bit, which is clever and obviously works. They’re a physical team who man up.”

France lock Thibaud Flament denied his side used simulation as a tactic.

“It’s not something I’ve really noticed,” he said.

“I think all teams seem to do it. It’s not something we prepare specifically or try and do. I don’t think it’s something that characterises our play.”

The Stade de France clash comes 11 months after France earned a 30-26 win in Marseille in a brutal affair that saw Springbok lock Pieter-Steph du Toit and Dupont shown the red card.

About two thirds of that victorious France team should start on Sunday, so they know what to expect.

“We faced them last winter, so we have some indications,” said France prop Reda Wardi.

“The squad is ready for this kind of game. They (South Africa) are physical and they’re well known for that.

“They try to impress their opponents with their forwards to show their strength.”

South Africa will name the team on Friday and they have a decision to make regarding how many backs and forwards they name on the bench.

“We’re very fortunate and that’s why we haven’t quite decided whether it’s 7-1 or 6-2, which will go best,” Erasmus said.

“After we sort out everything internally tomorrow, the players just fall in,” he added. AFP, REUTERS