World Rugby has confirmed the Springboks should’ve been penalised after their deliberate short kick-off.
The Springboks deployed the play at the start of their 45-0 win over Italy, as Manie Libbok chipped the kick-off short to Andrew Esterhuizen.
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The resulting play ended in a scrum to Italy, with the hosts backing their scrum to deliver a result.
As it turned out, the play was insignificant as the Springboks were free kicked from the scrum and Italy were able to take a quick tap on halfway.
But, World Rugby has moved swiftly to ensure the play does not happen again after the visitors lodged a complaint.
“The actions seen in this example show an intentional violation of the kick-off and restart laws,” their statement said.
“Laws 12.5 and 12.6 set out the sanctions where the ball unintentionally fails to go 10m or a player overruns their teammate at the kick-off/restart.
“However, if match officials believe this is done deliberately, then Law 9.7a should be applied.”
It was one of several unique tactics adopted by coach Rassie Erasmus as the mad scientist of Rugby showed his knowledge of the laws.
On multiple occasions, South Africa would manufacture a lineout pod from open play, drawing in the Italian defence before spreading the ball wide into space.
The Springboks now turn their focus towards Georgia in Mbombela on Saturday in a one-off Test.
Captain and flanker Siya Kolisi will make his first appearance of the season, with Erasmus delighted to have the influential leader back.
"We wanted to make sure that Siya is 100 percent fit before selecting him, so it is great to have him back in the squad,” Erasmus said.
