Rassie Erasmus has criticised World Rugby-owned publication RugbyPass for a meme supporting Ireland and Scotland in the Rugby World Cup.
Due to the Springboks’ absence from the final round of pool matches, South Africa’s rugby director has been more active on social media this week.
South Africa’s position in Pool B will be determined by the result of Saturday’s encounter between Ireland and Scotland, with just one potential result seeing the reigning champions eliminated before the knockout rounds.
Scotland will need to defeat Ireland by at least 21 points and earn a bonus point in order for that result to occur. In order to eliminate South Africa from the game, Ireland would also need to score four tries.
Scotland’s checklist
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, RugbyPass made fun of the permutations and posted three illustrations outlining the conditions necessary to get rid of the Springboks.
The message was, “Scotland’s checklist for today: A bonus point win, A margin of 21 points.”
RugbyPass is not owned by World Rugby, as Erasmus stated in a straightforward reaction to the article that suggested they should remain impartial. He also included an emoji of laughter.
He then provided a screenshot of a press statement revealing World Rugby’s purchase of RugbyPass in October of the previous year.
According to the release, “World Rugby acquires RugbyPass to enter the direct-to-consumer market in a comprehensive rights deal with Sky New Zealand.”
“World Rugby has acquired RugbyPass and its global stable of digital properties as part of a wide-ranging rights deal with Sky New Zealand announced today.
Following watch
The Boks’ opponents have already been followed and unfollowed by SA Rugby’s head of rugby, Erasmus, who constantly generates a stir on X with his activity.
He had followed both Scotland and Ireland in the weeks leading up to the weekend. Following up on this, RugbyPass published another picture showcasing Erasmus’ fan base.
The former Springbok forward cited that post along with a screenshot of the original message demonstrating that it had been removed following his response, along with a shrugging emoji.
In advance of the encounter, Erasmus has also stopped following Scotland and Ireland.
