Springboks Assistant Coach Mzwandile Stick has asked for officials to respect the game ahead of his team’s Rugby World Cup opener against New Zealand in a bizarre request that seemed to hint that the All Blacks get the favourable calls from referees.
Stick listed off the team’s recent results against the back‑to‑back defending Rugby World Cup champions before saying he hoped the officials respected the games and its fans.
The opening match kicks off this Friday between Japan and Russia at 10.45pm.
Fiji will face the Wallabies at 4.45pm this Saturday.
France and Argentina face off at 7.15pm Saturday while the All Blacks and Springboks clash at 9.45pm Saturday.
On Sunday, Italy and Namibia play at 5.15pm, Ireland and Scotland face off at 7.45pm Sunday while England clash with Tonga at 10.15pm Sunday.
TVNZ
ADVERTISEMENT
