RFU seek Erasmus action

SOUth AFRICA’S rugby union are under pressure to take further action against Rassie erasmus, their director of rugby, after an outraged protest from the RFU. Following the Springboks’ defeat by France last Saturday, erasmus released a series of social media posts implying criticism of english referee Wayne Barnes.

In response, he received a two-match ban — meaning he will not be on duty at twickenham on November 26 — and Sportsmail can reveal the RFU have been lobbying behind the scenes.

It is understood they contacted their South African counterparts to express anger and alarm about the activities of erasmus, arguing that his wild allegations indirectly incited death threats against Barnes and his family. erasmus was hit with a 10-month match-day ban late last year after fierce public criticism of Nic Berry during the lions tour, which the Australian referee later condemned as a ‘character assassination’. SA Rugby face demands to curb his future social media output, as a minimum requirement. Former Springboks coach Nick mallett says the behaviour of erasmus has turned South Africa into ‘the least-liked team in the world’. meanwhile, Portugal qualified for next year’s World Cup with the last kick of a 16-16 draw with the USA. they go into a group with Wales, Australia, Fiji and georgia.