Springboks scrum coach Daan Human backs Angus Gardner’s ‘very consistent’ calls

Springboks assistant coach Daan Human has rejected suggestions that South Africa were unhappy with the way the scrum was refereed in their second Test against the All Blacks, describing Angus Gardner’s decisions as “very consistent”.

The scrum has been the main talking point during the build-up to Saturday’s third meeting between the sides, after the All Blacks questioned the Springboks’ technique during last week’s match in Cape Town.

However, Human said he saw no difference in the way Gardner penalised the two teams at the set piece and insisted South Africa’s players must now focus on adapting to the referee appointed for the next Test.

“Referees need to understand what’s happening in the scrum and they all have a lot of experience,” said Human.

“I actually thought Angus Gardner was very consistent in his decisions last Saturday. What he called for us, he called for them. It was the same story.

“I have respect for him and I’m not going to question his decisions, but also that’s in the past now. This weekend we need to adapt to how the new referee sees it, and if he tells us to fix something we’ll fix it. But I genuinely don’t think Angus refereed differently to how he normally does.”

The comments come after complaints from the All Blacks about South Africa’s scrummaging methods in Cape Town. Human declined to suggest the Springboks had been frustrated by Gardner’s interpretation, instead maintaining that both sides were treated in the same way.

Attention now turns to FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, where the Springboks expect a significantly larger and more passionate crowd for Saturday’s Test.

More than 56,000 spectators attended last week’s match in Cape Town, while Human believes the Johannesburg crowd could number between 80,000 and 90,000.

“It will be an amazing experience,” said Human.

“There were over 56,000 people at last week’s Test (in Cape Town) and we could have close to 80 000 to 90,000 at the stadium this week, so we can only imagine how awesome it’s going to be.

“But no matter where we play, whether it is in Verkeerdevlei (where he farms) or at the FNB Stadium, we know what we have to do. Having that many people supporting you is something to feed off because you get energy from the crowd and enjoy the moment.

“South Africa has incredible support and we don’t want to disappoint our supporters. They stand behind us, and we’d like to give back to them.”

Human said the location would not alter the team’s responsibilities, whether the Springboks were playing in Verkeerdevlei, where he farms, or in front of a vast audience at FNB Stadium.

The assistant coach believes the support can provide South Africa with additional energy, but stressed that the players already understand what is required of them. The Springboks, he said, want to repay the backing they receive from supporters by producing the performance they expect.