Springbok lock Ruan Nortje has given insight into the midfield line-out executed by the Springboks against Italy in Gqeberha last weekend.
Nortje was at the centre of one of the innovations executed by the Boks when, in general play, they lifted him, lineout-like, to create a maul, which in one instance set up a try.
This experimenting has now gotten some rugby pundits a little miffed, especially the “fake line-out” in the middle of the field near the Italy line in the 51st minute, which seemed to stir more controversy.
At just a few metres out, Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams delivered a pass in much the same fashion as a lineout, with Nortje launching himself into the air as he gathered the ball. The resultant maul ended in a try for the Springboks, one of seven they scored on the night.
This is not the first time Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has come up with some outrageous line-out strategy.
Last year against Australia in the Rugby Championship, the open-minded coach also came up with an innovative line-out plan.
In the first half against the Wallabies, the Springboks had a lineout about five metres out from the Wallabies’ line.
Often described as a ‘fake’ line-out, the latest antics against Italy in Gqeberha did not go down well with everyone in the rugby community.
Sky Sports described the moves as “Springboks’ bizarre tactics as they play for scrum from kick-off and fake lineout-maul to score try.”
Rugby Inside Line on X described the move as: “Dull, and not in the spirit of the game. It might be ingenious, but that doesn’t make it fun in the long term.”
When asked what he thought, Italy’s coach Gonzalo Quesada said: “They always have some tricky, nice strikes from lineouts.
“In that zone, there’s always something a bit special, different, innovative to surprise the opposition. They tried this maul from the second phase. It’s a good idea because you have to react super quickly.
“As soon as the maul is formed, if you take it down, you’re collapsing a maul.
“I think it’s part of the really good work they do to always be one step in front of the other teams concerning innovation and good ideas, and they have the players for it.”
The man in the middle of that ‘fake’ line-out spoke out about it for the first time on Monday when he faced reporters at the Springboks’ hotel in Nelspruit.
“It’s always nice to bring the innovative stuff into the game,” he said, adding: “It just gives you so many more opportunities to bring into the game.
“It’s all about developing our game and our attack.
“It’s exciting for me. I am always game for anything innovative,” he stated.
Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids also added his two cents to the discussion, saying: “As a team, we are always trying to evolve our game and try to be creative.
“We watch rugby from different teams from countries all over the world.
“We took notice of that innovative move, and it was an opportunity to do something different.
“It also serves as encouragement for the coaches. There are a lot of bright ideas out there. And it’s good to learn, even from primary schools and high schools.”
