How Rassie Erasmus and Jaco Peyper countered All Blacks’ Greatest Rivalry narrative

Rassie Erasmus, the Springbok head coach, and Jaco Peyper, the national laws advisor, effectively countered the narrative that the All Blacks were the greatest rivalry South Africa would face, ahead of their first Test on Saturday. Erasmus and Peyper showcased their readiness to engage in a verbal battle over South Africa's teams "slowing the ball down" to prevent the All Blacks from playing.

This narrative had been pushed by the opposition and overseas media since the first tour match. Erasmus and Peyper effectively dispelled this notion from the Springboks' side, showing that the Boks were prepared for the questions that would come their way.

Peyper, with his extensive experience as a former Test referee, played a crucial role in shutting down the "slowing the ball down" talk immediately. He provided the technical knowledge needed to address the concerns, while Erasmus added his own unique perspective. Erasmus highlighted that over the five games played this season, there had been no feedback suggesting the Boks had slowed down the game.

He also made a pointed remark about the 30 seconds allowed for scrums and lineouts, emphasizing that they would use that time strategically.

Peyper's presence was not merely for show; he was there to put the record straight and dispel any doubts about the Boks' approach to the game. As the week progressed, more words were expected to be exchanged, culminating in the coaches naming their teams on Thursday for the first Test. The composition of those sides would likely reveal which team was more likely to slow down the game when the two rivals faced off at Ellis Park.

However, the Boks were content to let their rugby do the talking while making sure they had their say beforehand.