World Cup feud escalates as South Africa chief makes 'simulation' jibe at France
South Africa's director of rugby has accused France's players of 'simulating' ahead of their Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash.
The defending champions face the hosts at the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday. It promises to be a close affair, with France boasting a perfect four-out-of-four record in the tournament. South Africa have lost once, suffering a 13-8 defeat to Ireland.
South Africa are determined to defend their crown and their director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has raised the stakes by making a daring claim about the French. Erasmus is known for his outspoken views and is no stranger to controversy.
He released an hour-long video criticising the referees during the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021, with the hosts winning the test series 2-1. Erasmus has now taken aim at France in a bid to give his nation the edge in their upcoming tie.
"I think the French are not playing a reckless game where they are on the edge of being too physical," Erasmus told reporters. "What they do well is that when they get close to the high hits, they really show that to the referee.
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"They do simulate sometimes a little bit which is clever and obviously works. I think they’re very clear at that, very good at that."
France lock Thibaud Flament was asked for a response to Erasmus' verdict. He said: "It’s not something I’ve really noticed. 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."
South Africa won the Rugby World Cup in 2019 (Getty Images)What do you make of Rassie Erasmus' view? Let us know in the comments below!
Erasmus' comments will place pressure on referee Ben O'Keeffe for Sunday's game. France, meanwhile, are keen to stay focus on the task at hand and expected to recall captain Antoine Dupont for the huge clash. He has recovered from cheekbone surgery.
"I don’t think lack of fitness will be a problem," said Erasmus when asked about Dupont. "I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen him sweat on the field. He’s so emotionless when he plays and he always looks so in control.
"Obviously he’s the captain and the whole of France - the whole world - has respect for him. I’ve no doubt he will play and he’ll be a big challenge for us."
Three-time runners-up France have never won the Rugby World Cup and would love to break their duck on home soil in the near future. They are among the favourites to win the tournament, with Ireland and New Zealand also fancied by the bookies.
The latter two nations face each other in the quarter-finals, with England taking on Fiji and Wales facing Argentina. England will play the winners of France vs South Africa if they can beat unfancied Fiji at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Sunday.
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