Overview
- On Wednesday Erasmus confirmed he will not take part in a pre‑match alignment with referee Nika Amashukeli ahead of Saturday’s Test in Cape Town.
- World Rugby’s protocol requires both head coaches to attend any pre‑match call with the referee, a rule Erasmus says prevents candid talk about scrums, rucks and mauls.
- Erasmus argued discussing specific tactical concerns in front of the opposing coach would reveal what he wants the referee to police and so renders the meeting pointless.
- Erasmus and All Blacks coach Dave Rennie also declined the formal meeting before the opening Test at Ellis Park and plan an informal, private catch‑up in Cape Town without the referee.
- The appointed match officials remain in place and refereeing interpretation of scrums and breakdowns is now a live factor that could shape the rest of the four‑Test series after New Zealand’s win in the opener.