Latest news with #Peyper
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Boks want clarity from refs before second Italy Test: Peyper
Frustrated by their display in the opening Test in Tshwane, the Springboks want clarity on refereeing issues before Saturday's rematch against Italy in Gqeberha, their law and discipline adviser Jaco Peyer said. After the Boks beat the Azzurri 42-24 at Loftus Versveld, Peyper said he would have discussions with Scottish referee Hollie Davidson before the second Test at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (kickoff 5.10pm). Welshman Andrew Brace is set to referee Saturday's clash, with Davidson lining up with assistant referee Matthew Carley on the touchline. 'We think Hollie and the refereeing team who are here for this series are a good team of referees, but there are certainly one or two areas to raise,' Peyper said. 'Let's call it an alignment exercise. The Springboks want to align ourselves with them so we can align our plan and the execution of the plan.
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Springboks seek referee feedback after breakdown mess at Loftus
Frustrated members of the Springbok management team have asked referee Hollie Davidson and her team for clarity ahead of the decisive Test against Italy in Gqeberha on Saturday. Rassie Erasmus used the word 'frustrated' several times in the aftermath of the Springboks' 42-24 win against a weakened Italy at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday. The Bok coach lamented South Africa's lack of intensity in the second half, and went as far as to suggest that there would be consequences ahead of the next team announcement. In the same breath, Erasmus questioned the legality of Italy's breakdown approach and intimated that the officials were too lenient on the visitors. Both teams have since transferred to Gqeberha for the decisive Test of the series. While it's a new city subject to different weather and playing conditions, the Boks are determined to receive answers on some of the recent breakdown calls. These answers will have some bearing on the next game, as the same teams will feature and the same group of officials will be on duty at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – although Andrew Brace will referee the match, with Hollie Davidson joining assistant referee Matthew Carley on the touchline. Feedback On Monday, the Boks made another strong statement on the matter when they sent laws and discipline adviser Jaco Peyper to the first media conference of the week. The former Test referee went out of his way to acknowledge the officials, before asking for clarity and consistency in their application of the laws. 'We think that Hollie and the rest of the team here in South Africa are good referees, and they're the type of referees who will give you feedback when you ask for feedback,' Peyper said. 'Regarding the weekend's game [at Loftus], there are one or two questions that we've raised. 'We respect the refs, we know that they go through their game reviews, and we are sure they will give us some honest feedback. 'That will put us all into a better position going into the next game.' The breakdowns were a mess in the latter stages of the first Test, with stray boots and hands edging the ball back towards the defensive side on numerous occasions. One could ask why a vastly experienced Bok team wasn't more street smart, or why they didn't exploit the refereeing interpretations to their benefit. Those who watched the game, of course, would have noted how the contest lacked rhythm and energy in the second half. Pressed for specifics, Peyper conceded that the management of the breakdown was the point of query. 'In rugby, when you carry dominant or when you tackle dominant, the little bit of grace sits with you. 'We have to make sure that we show the referee a picture that is easier to referee, and that we don't allow for too much interpretation or management. 'We need to know how we can adjust, and we need feedback – but it's a positive process, this is not bagging anyone. 'It's not about us being unhappy, it's a question of learning. We've got to make sure that we adjust to the referees. 'World Rugby sends out best practises [before the start of tournaments and international windows], and we need to know that we understand those correctly, and that we are training our players accordingly.' Some officials give a competing player a warning in order to keep the game flowing. Others are quick to penalise a player who is deliberately slowing the ball down at the ruck. Harsher As the interaction with Peyper progressed, it became clear that the Boks want the officials to be harsher on breakdown offenders in the coming match. 'It comes down to whether the ref sees an infringement, whether they ask the player to stop doing that, or whether the referee referees the infringement,' said Peyper. With regard to other areas of play, the Bok coaches and players admit that they were well below par at Loftus. Peyper went to bat for the officials as well as the opposition when it was suggested that Italians may have impeded in the lead-up to their maul-try in the second half. The Italy maul was set from some 20 metres out, yet the Boks – who pride themselves on this facet of play – failed to stop it. 'I don't think it's a law thing,' Peyper confirmed, 'It was just a really good maul by Italy that was poorly defended by us. 'That part of the game is part of our soul, so that was a big negative for us.' Bok prop Thomas du Toit – who was omitted from the lineup last week but looks set to play a role in the second Test – was equally honest about the team's shortcomings. 'We set high standards for ourselves in a match,' Du Toit said. 'When we review a game [as the Boks did on Monday morning], we compare ourselves to how we were the week before, and ask ourselves whether we were better. '[With regard to the last game] we have to look at ourselves in the mirror and say that we weren't. We've also got to acknowledge that Italy were very good.' The Bok team to play Italy will be announced at 3.15pm on Tuesday. DM
IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Peyper: Springboks seeking clarity over breakdown as second Italy test looms
Springbok laws advisor Jaco Peyper says the team have sought clarity from World Rugby over breakdown interpretations ahead of the second Test against Italy, while backing veteran fullback Willie le Roux to mark a special milestone if selected. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backapagepix Springbok laws and discipline advisor Jaco Peyper says the Boks have approached World Rugby's refereeing department for clarity on 'one or two things' ahead of Saturday's second Test against Italy — particularly around the breakdown, where the team was outplayed in the series opener. Peyper, the vastly experienced former referee who joined the Springbok setup in early 2024, was clear that the approach was part of a normal feedback process — not a complaint. 'First of all, the refereeing team here, led by Holly Davidson and company, have a great ethic,' said Peyper. 'They are people you can give feedback to, and they give it back. World Rugby encourages this. 'We had a few questions after last week's game, and they will give us honest feedback. Italy had a clear plan and executed it well, but we need to understand whether we need to adjust — and if we have to, we will.' Asked whether the onus lies with South Africa, Italy, or the referee to adjust, Peyper pointed to the importance of dominance in key areas. 'In rugby, when you carry dominantly and tackle dominantly, then the bit of grey sits with you. So the first thing we need to do is be dominant. 'But we also need to fix a few things and ensure we are showing the referee a picture that is easy to officiate — and not one that relies on too much interpretational management. 'It's a positive process. We're not bagging anyone. We learn from each other to create a better product.' Peyper, who officiated in 14 Rugby World Cup matches before taking up his new role, explained that the Springbok camp had taken a measured approach following the disappointing result. 'First, we must understand the performance. Was the plan good enough from the coaches? Did the players execute well enough? Then you assess the performance gap and how to fix it. 'We did that on Monday. We are facing a passionate and well-coached Italian team. We need to be up for the game and work hard this week to meet our own standards. 'We are a proud team, and that's why we were frustrated. There were too many individual errors, and when those stack up, they ruin continuity.' Peyper also praised veteran fullback Willie le Roux, who is poised to become only the eighth player in Springbok history to reach 100 Test caps, should he be selected in the match-day squad this weekend. 'I've worked with Willie since he was young. He sees things on the field that others don't. It's frustrating to see the criticism he receives at times. As a team, we're proud of him, and if he plays, we hope to make the occasion a special one.'
