The Stormers coaching staff have expressed surprise and concern over the timing of four Springbok coaches being deployed to assist their rivals, the Vodacom Bulls, just ahead of their URC derby match on Saturday.
The decision has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some questioning whether it provides the struggling Bulls an unfair advantage over their in-form rivals, especially in such a crucial week.
However, SA Rugby maintains that this is a standard procedure; the proximity to the high-stakes north-south derby has undoubtedly added controversy to the match.
This move differs from the usual practice of national coaches not getting involved during local derbies, raising questions about fairness.
Stormers defence coach Norman Laker stated earlier today that he finds the timing "quite interesting" and unusual, particularly given the long-standing precedent around local derbies.
“It was quite interesting for me to see that, in such a big week, they’re bringing the Springbok coaches in to help the Bulls. Normally, the national coaches don’t really help teams when there are derbies involved. That’s always been the case.”
Laker stressed he was not questioning the legality of the move, but noted it differed from previous practice.
“In the past, guys like Felix Jones and Daan Human have assisted franchises when we were playing overseas opposition. Felix has helped us before, Daan has come in to help with scrummaging, but never ahead of a local derby.”
Asked whether the Bulls would gain an unfair advantage, Laker was careful with his response.
“I can’t say if it’s a fair or unfair advantage. I just find it interesting. That’s all I can really say,” he said.