Bhubaneswar: The build-up to the Test between Ireland and South Africa has taken a sharp turn into controversy. At the heart of it: two successive permanent red cards handed to Springbok forwards — and the perception that their team is being singled out for harsher punishment.
During a media briefing in Dublin, assistant coach Mzwandile Stick didn’t mince words:
“Are we treated fairly? I don’t think so.”
He pointed to the red cards shown to second-rows Lood de Jager (in the match against France) and Franco Mostert (in the encounter with Italy) and questioned why similar incidents for other teams appear to be dealt with more leniently.
The Incidents in Question
De Jager was sent off for a high tackle against France and subsequently suspended for three games — a decision South Africa are currently appealing.
Mostert’s red card came in the fixture versus Italy, where Stick claims the tackle was “by the book” but ended with contact to the head, which escalated the punishment.
Stick suggested that over one weekend, the volume of decisions going against South Africa reached “about 20 in the first 45 minutes” in one match — indicating he believes the external communications and officiating oversight burden his side more than others.
The Bigger Picture
This issue is more than two individual incidents. It raises deeper questions about:
Consistency in officiating: Rugby’s laws around dangerous tackles, head contact and high-shoulder entries are exacting. Yet, Stick implies that similar infractions by other teams result in yellow cards — whereas the Boks are seeing red.
Team impact: Losing senior players such as de Jager and Mostert disrupts the squad dynamic, selection and three-dimensional planning for upcoming tests. Stick lamented: “Every week we are losing players … It’s sad.”
Perception & morale: The Springboks have long embraced their reputation as a physical side. But if they genuinely feel penalised more strictly, it could affect mindset, discipline and willingness to commit in borderline situations.
Appeals and accountability: The fact that South Africa are appealing suggests they believe they have strong grounds — which means the governing and disciplinary bodies’ decisions may come under heightened scrutiny.
What Stick Actually Said
Here are some of his more pointed remarks:
“If you look at the Italian side … everyone was looking forward to the game and then for the game to turn the way it did.”
“He [Mostert] has done everything by the book. His only mistake was just maybe the contact was here [chest] but it ended up in the head. I don’t understand how does that become permanent…”
“When he was asked if the Springboks feel they are being treated unfairly … I don’t want to say things and then end up also being banned like Rassie in the past… But once again … I don’t think we deserve this as a team.”
In their storied rivalry, Ireland and South Africa first met in 1906 and over time the dynamics have shifted. While South Africa dominated the early years, Ireland have won 9 of their last 14 meetings since 2004.
The current tension around red cards could add another layer of intrigue to their next showdown.
As the Springboks and Irish gear up for another high-stakes clash, all eyes will be on more than just the scoreboard. The referee’s kit, the bunker communications, and those split-second decisions around contact height may prove as decisive as the physical battle on the turf.
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