It’s like World Rugby is punishing us

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer says it feels as if World Rugby targets the Springboks when making law changes.

Last year, the global governing body approved a series of law amendments, effective 1 July.

Most notably, from a South African perspective, teams would no longer have the option to choose a scrum from a free kick.

In addition, skew throw-ins to lineouts that are not contested by the defending team would not result in a scrum to the defending team, with play allowed to continue.

These changes were seen as an attempt to de-power the scrum, arguably the Springboks’ biggest weapon.

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On Wednesday, Oberholzer was asked if more law changes could be expected before the 2027 World Cup in Australia, when the Boks will be targeting an unprecedented three-peat.

“There are no changes for this season,” he confirmed. “There are still some variations we are working through.

“I must say, it’s sometimes difficult sitting in the meetings,” Oberholzer added. “It feels that when you become world champions, you get punished by World Rugby with certain law changes they’re suggesting.”

Oberholzer said there would probably be more changes after the World Cup as World Rugby wants to make the game more “attractive” to fans.

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