Rugby world whine about Springboks’ ‘fake lineout’ called ‘Dull, and not in the spirit of the game’
South Africa's lock Ruan Nortje (top) catches the ball in a line-out during the international rugby union Test match between South Africa and Italy at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on July 12, 2025. Picture: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Image: Phill Magakoe/AFP
The score may have read 45-0 to the Springboks over the weekend in their second Test match against Italy, but as usual there were a number of critics on the method of their victory.
First, the Springboks produced an intentional error from a kick-off to generate a scrum on the halfway line.
Then there was the ‘fake lineout’ in the middle of the field near the Italy line in the 51st minute which seemed to stir more controversy.
At just a few metres out, Springbok scrumhalf delivered a pass in much the same fashion as a lineout with lock Ruan Nortje launching himself into the air as he gathered the ball.
Springboks’ Jaw-Dropping Tactics Lead to Seven-Try Victory Over Italy
The resultant maul ended in a try for the Springboks, one of seven they scored on the night.
Sky Sports described the moves as “Springboks’ bizarre tactics as they play for scrum from kick-off and fake lineout-maul to score try.”
Rugby Inside Line on X described the move as: “Dull, and not in the spirit of the game.
It might be ingenious, but that doesn’t make it fun in the long term.”
Some Springbok supporters disagreed strongly as @pavlovs_khat responded: Dull? Literally everyone in world rugby can’t stop talking about it this morning, the home crowd gasped when it happened AND it led to a try? Dull??? Maybe watch the game before klapping the whisky so hard up north.”
Meanwhile, Planet Rugby headlined the match as “Jaw-dropping tactics help seven-try Springboks demolish Italy despite Jasper Wiese red card.”