Writing for a prominent online publication, Owens expressed his empathy not only for Erasmus but also for Dave Rennie, the All Blacks coach. Both have been caught in the crosshairs of new World Rugby protocols that necessitate their presence at pre-match meetings with officials—sessions that were previously used to discuss tactical concerns discreetly.
Owens criticized the protocol changes, suggesting they inadvertently force coaches to air their grievances through the media. This, he argues, not only fuels pre-match narratives but also complicates the job of referees by bringing tactical debates into the public eye.
Regarding the controversy over Erasmus's team selections for the recent second Test, Owens defended the tactics employed by the Springbok coach. Erasmus named his starting lineup earlier than usual, only to make last-minute changes. Owens pointed out that this series does not adhere to the standard 48-hour selection requirement, thereby keeping Erasmus within regulatory boundaries.
"Mind games are nothing new when it comes to coaches, particularly when someone as colourful a character as Erasmus is involved,"
Owens remarked, addressing the accusations that Erasmus might have strayed from the spirit of the game with his pre-match strategies. The former referee robustly disagrees with these accusations, reinforcing that no official rules were violated by Erasmus’s actions.
"I can understand why such accusations have been made, but I don’t agree with them myself. Ultimately, he didn't break any rules."
Owens's support puts a different spin on the narrative surrounding Erasmus, suggesting that what some view as cunning or underhanded tactics are, in fact, well within the legal frameworks of international rugby. This perspective invites rugby fans and critics alike to reconsider their stance on the ethics of coaching strategies in high-stakes matches.
As discussions around coaching ethics continue to evolve, Owens’s insights offer a reminder of the complex interplay between rules, strategy, and sportsmanship that defines modern rugby at the highest levels.
