Jacques Nienaber straight-bats award furore

Planet Rugby

South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber gave a very polished PR response to questions about why not one of his players has made the shortlist for World Rugby Player of the Year on Tuesday.

The rainbow nation, already vexed by the ongoing disciplinary proceedings against director of rugby Rassie Erasmus for his video criticism of officials during the Lions tour, has been in uproar this week after not one of the world champions made the award shortlist despite an excellent year in difficult circumstances.

Nienaber, speaking ahead of the rematch of the 2019 World Cup Final against England on Saturday, was non-committal on the subject but was sure to avoid anything that could even be construed as the tiniest criticism of the game’s governing body.

We trust the process

“In terms of the nominations, obviously we trust and respect the process to get to the nominations,” he said.

“If you look at all the nominations, I am talking coaches, I am talking players and women’s rugby, the quality around all sections is tremendous.

“We are very happy for the guys who were nominated. Some of our players in the past have been nominated and it was very special for them. We wish all the nominees the best of luck with the process.”

Pressed once again, Nienaber also reminded those present that it was not gongs which motivated his players ahead of what is likely to be a crunching November series finale on Saturday.

“The motivation comes from playing for the Boks, and I know it sounds clichéd, but it is so,” he said.

“The guys don’t play for a tap on the shoulder and a ‘well done’. They are playing for their country, and on Saturday, it’s South Africa against England.”