PremiumOpinionOpinion byPaul LewisContributing Sports Writer·NZ Herald·1 Sep, 2026 05:37 PM5 mins to readPaul Lewis writes about rugby, cricket, league, football, yachting, golf, the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.‌Jesse Kriel of South Africa scores a try despite the efforts of Ardie Savea during the second test at Cape Town. Photo / PhotosportOh, come on. To channel British comedian Catherine Tate and her obnoxious teenage character Lauren Cooper, are we “bovvered” about Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus playing fast and loose with rugby’s conventions?

Tate’s hideous 15-year-old schoolgirl alter ego famously lapses into shrill defensive denial when stressed, like when her boyfriend dumped