South Africa assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says the Springboks are being treated unfairly after a series of red cards and suspensions disrupted their recent Tests against France and Italy.
Lood de Jager is serving a four-game ban for a high tackle, while Franco Mostert faces a disciplinary hearing for a shoulder-to-head challenge, prompting an appeal from the world champions.
Stick argued that similar or worse incidents in other international matches have gone unpunished, and pointed to recent bans for Makazole Mapimpi and Jan-Hendrik Wessels as further examples of inconsistency. He said the repeated suspensions are costing players key milestones and tour opportunities, and claimed officiating during the win over Italy heavily favoured the opposition.
While emphasising South Africa’s commitment to playing in good spirit, he insisted the team “does not deserve” the treatment it has received.
💬 "I don't want to be banned like Rassie.' Mzwandile Stick believes the Springboks are being treated unfairly. pic.twitter.com/m959k6mGWm
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) November 18, 2025
What a joke.
The team handed the RWC by cheating English referees (sorry we were wrong to disallow the winning all black try…. again”) now complains about cheating referees.
The world is becoming more corrupt and unfortunately rugby has not escaped the trend.