Kirwan accuses Rassie of ‘conspiracy’

John Kirwan told Victor Matfield why fans were denied a more evenly matched contest between the All Blacks and South African clubs in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

Speaking on the Rugby Rivals podcast ahead of the opening Test, the All Blacks legend and former Springbok captain discussed New Zealand’s wins over the Stormers, Sharks and Vodacom Bulls, and whether the teams provided a challenge ahead of Saturday’s opening Test at Ellis Park.

Matfield said the Stormers offered a decent test, but the Sharks fielded a very young side.

“If you look at that Sharks side, they were kids; there were probably three guys who were still at school last year. A really young team with no experience,” he said.

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“The Bulls were a bit better in the second half when guys like Johan Grobbelaar and Elrigh Louw came onto the field; you could see the difference the moment there was some experience.

“Well done to the All Blacks. But I think there’s going to be a different team when they face the Springboks on Saturday. They’re going to see something they haven’t seen on tour so far: intensity, physicality, a great game plan.”

Kirwan, however, questioned Rassie Erasmus withholding most of his current Boks from the fixtures, as well as suggested the club coaches were instructed on how to play.

“I think it’s a bit more of a conspiracy theory out there. Rassie has told those provincial sides not to play anything like the Springboks,” he said. “We haven’t even seen high kicks. We haven’t even seen kicking to the corner and a lot of mauling.

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“It’s pretty sad for the relationship and for the tour. I get it, I would do exactly the same if I was Rassie and not release the players. But it is a bit disappointing for the South African public, because they’re not turning up to watch. You turn up to watch a spectacle.”

When Kirwan asked Matfield if he agreed with not releasing players, the ex-lock responded: “The most important thing is the Test match on Saturday. Whatever Rassie needs to prepare for the Test match is what you need to do.

“Unfortunately, we’ve mentioned it with our decision to let players play overseas, the depth in our provincial teams just isn’t the same as it was 15 or 20 years ago.”

Kirwan disagreed, arguing more players from Erasmus’ squad could have played: “Forty-four doesn’t go into 23, so there are sort of 20 players that I reckon you could take a bit more of a risk with as well. 

“Rugby players have got to play [but] I’m not saying that it’s a South African thing.”

Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images