Retiring captain John Smit has let slip a glimpse of South African anger at referee Bryce Lawrence’s performance in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss to Australia.
“I suppose that one of the positives going forward is that I will never have to be reffed by Bryce Lawrence again,” Smit told media when the team arrived home in Johannesburg.
The defending champion Springboks lost 11-9 to the Wallabies on Sunday despite overwhelming dominance of possession and territory.
There was widespread anger in South Africa media about New Zealand whistleblower Lawrence’s control of the breakdown area of the game, where Wallabies scavenger David Pocock was able to secure several crucial turnovers to shut down South African attacks.
Springboks coach Peter De Villiers declined to be drawn into criticising Lawrence.
“I have made peace with the refereeing of Bryce Lawrence,” was the surprisingly terse and mild comment from a coach who has courted controversy during his Springbok career for outspoken comments and sometimes bizarre claims.
“We did not achieve what we wanted to. We gave you (supporters) a lot of hope when we left for New Zealand.
“We never fulfilled our own dreams and we never fulfilled yours,” said a visibly emotional De Villiers as he battled to hold back tears.
“We let you down. But we never did it on purpose. We went down fighting, fighting for our country, and that’s what made me proud.”
The coach said he had not formally resigned his role, but his contract is not expected to be renewed when it expires in December.
“The writing is on the wall. We read it and we move on,” he said.
Capped a record 111 times by South Africa, 33-year-old Smit will end his career with a stint at English club Saracens, while lock great Victor Matfield, 34, will retire from all rugby.
“There are great years ahead for the Springboks,” said Smit.
“There are some brilliant players available for selection and those who fill the boots of the ‘old guard’ will make a huge difference. I think the future is strong.”
Surrounded by two young daughters, Matfield described his 110-cap Springbok career as “fantastic”.
“I had an unbelievable journey, achieved a lot, went through some hard times, but enjoyed every second of it.”
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