{
  "id": 2636527,
  "title": "Rassie Erasmus backs referee call as All Blacks scrum swings Ellis Park Test",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/rassie-erasmus-backs-referee-call-as-all-blacks-scrum-swings-ellis",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T19:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/2026-08-22-rassie-erasmus-backs-referee-call-as-all-blacks-scrum-swings-ellis-park-test/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a crucial Rugby World Cup opener, the Springboks faced the All Blacks in a hard-fought Test at Ellis Park. The Boks were in control, with the All Blacks pinned back on their own try line, only to lose a pivotal scrum decision that shifted the momentum. With 16-19 trailing the Springboks and needing just three points to draw, New Zealand capitalized with a powerful scrum on their own try line, extending their lead and shifting the game's dynamics. Coach Rassie Erasmus backed the referee's call on the scrum, acknowledging that Gerhard Steenekamp had walked around during the set-piece. He attributed their loss to the All Blacks' pressure on the breakdown and loose play, stating that they made mistakes due to New Zealand's superior performance. Despite dominating for most of the first half, the Springboks failed to convert their attacking opportunities, allowing the Kiwis to escape numerous times without conceding points. Erasmus expressed disappointment, noting that New Zealand excels in stopping teams in their 22-meter area using various tactics.",
  "summary": "The Springboks lost the opening test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 33-16 to the All Blacks at Ellis Park. Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks' coach, reflected on a crucial scrum by the All Blacks that shifted momentum in the match.\n\nErasmus reassured South Africa supporters that recent history proved the test series against New Zealand can still be won, despite the loss.\n\nThe Springboks' coach also backed a referee's call, although details of the specific call were not provided.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Springboks player ratings: Who impressed and who flopped in All Blacks defeat at Ellis Park",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/springboks-player-ratings-who-impressed-and-who-flopped-in-all-blacks",
        "published": "2026-08-22T19:07:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Erasmus vows Springboks can still win series after Ellis Park rout by All Blacks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/erasmus-vows-springboks-can-still-win-series-after-ellis-park-rout-by",
        "published": "2026-08-22T19:53:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}