Rassie Erasmus has recently emerged as a strong defender of World Rugby’s crackdown on "escorts" during aerial contests, arguing that the changes have rescued the game from becoming "boring".
In 2024, World Rugby controversially outlawed the escort tactics teams deployed to protect catchers, a tweak that Springboks coaches believe has only benefitted the game.
According to his latest comments on the Rassie+: The Shape of the Game podcast, his stance centres on several key pillars:
Erasmus argues that the "glove" or "protector" system, where players parked themselves in front of a catcher, was against the World Rugby Charter that reads “The wide variation of skills and physical requirements needed for the game means that there is an opportunity for individuals of every shape, size and ability to participate…”
“What this charter does is to give the game a checklist against which the mode of play and behaviour can be assessed. The objective is to ensure that rugby maintains its unique character both on and off the field.”
Erasmus noted that previous tactics made box-kicking predictable and uninteresting because blockers prevented any real challenge.
“The moment there are blockers, they unfairly take away the contest from the other team,” he said.
Erasmus pointed out that under the old system, a late change by a blocker often provided "mitigation" for a dangerous tackle. Now, with blockers removed, there is no mitigation; if a chaser takes a player's legs out in the air, the responsibility is clear.
Erasmus believes the new application of the law rewards physical variety. Without blockers, teams can no longer hide smaller wingers behind a "glove" of teammates. Simultaneously, it restores the natural advantage of tall, lanky full-backs whose height now actually matters in a true contest.”
“The contest for possession of the ball is one of rugby’s key features. These contests occur throughout the game and in a number of different forms, in contact, in open play, when play is re-started at scrums, lineouts, kick-offs and restart kicks.”
Erasmus added, “So the first thing is when that ball is kicked, it’s nobody’s ball. He’s got a fair chance, I’ve got a fair chance. That’s the contest, and no one can interfere anymore under the new laws.”
While coaches in England and Ireland (such as Steve Borthwick and Tadhg Beirne) have criticised the change for causing more stoppages and "Aussie Rules" style play, Erasmus and his staff maintain that the sport is safer and more competitive because of it.