Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber are at it again.
Their challenge of conventional wisdom is now in itself convention.
They do not seek to leave the rugby world aghast or incredulous, they simply do what comes naturally to them — seeking improvement even if it means challenging the established order.
That could also read: especially if it means challenging the established order.
Often they have given the game’s gate keepers cause to pat their pockets for the master key.
They have, and with remarkable consistency, dragged a sport built on a pile of rules, regulations and above all laws, into opaque areas of grey. What used to be black or white is now up for debate — zebra crossing or zebra-crossing.
When Erasmus performed water boy duties in the series against the British and Irish Lions the establishment spilt their gin. His online critique of the match officials after the opening Test of that series took the game into uncharted waters but ultimately it went down like a lead balloon, as did a Tweet last year in the aftermath of the Springboks’ defeat to France in Marseille.
He had to serve a ban for both those incidents.
Selecting six forwards and just two backs on the bench had the rugby world in a flat spin at the previous RWC.
When they amplified that forward-based approach by selecting seven forwards for their RWC warm-up clash against the All Blacks at Twickenham last month the rugby world was turned on its axis.
If one can borrow a phrase — that’s just not cricket. Opinions varied, but some of the more vociferous voices claimed selecting seven forwards on the bench is somehow against the spirit of the game.
More shock followed when the Boks named a match day 23 for their clash against Romania that included all four the scrumhalves in their touring squad.
Of course nothing precludes coaches from selecting eight forwards if they wished on the substitutes bench.
The only stipulation they have to adhere to is having a designated full front row on the bench.
It is about risk and reward. Many bemoaned the idea that seven forwards could come off the bench and wreak havoc, though RG Snyman last week preferred to refer to it as causing chaos.
In the Springboks’ opening RWC clash against Scotland in Marseille last weekend Erasmus and assistant coach Felix Jones used lights from their coaches’ box to communicate with support staff next to and on the field.
Of course, this practice drew the attention of the losing team’s supporters, including their media.
Is this legal, acceptable, in poor taste? If within the laws, is it within the moral confines of what is acceptable they pondered.
The jury was still out when on Wednesday more shock followed when the Boks named a match day 23 for their clash against Romania that included all four the scrumhalves in their touring squad. Cobus Reinach is the starting scrumhalf, Grant Williams on the right wing, Jaden Hendrikse will provide scrumhalf cover on the bench, while Faf de Klerk will come on as replacement flyhalf.
There’s a lot to digest there. How can players, in a such a specialised position be let loose in so many different positions?
Nienaber provided the answers, but ultimately it cuts to why the Boks have so often challenged convention. Because they can.
They do what operationally serves them best. If it doesn’t break a law its fair game.
Erasmus and Nienaber expect their players to push the boundaries on the field and they do the same off it.
The pursuit of gaining an edge, a professional advantage, an extra percent is what comes naturally to Erasmus.
For him the best route between point A and point B isn’t necessarily the path most used. Why be on the same road all at once?
Sure there is a rebellious streak, but this one sure has a cause.
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