Jantjes Slams 'Dishonest' Mains! Backs Rassie in Explosive Feud!
Former Springbok fullback Conrad Jantjes has launched a scathing attack on Laurie Mains, calling him a "dictator" and defending Rassie Erasmus amidst a long-standing feud. The war of words reignites after Mains branded Erasmus a "very dishonest person" in a recent interview, prompting Jantjes to speak out about his own experiences under Mains' leadership.
Jantjes recalls an incident during a Currie Cup match where Mains allegedly instructed him to fake an injury to circumvent SA Rugby's quota system. "Then Laurie says: ‘Listen, at half time let the doc sort you out.’ Sort me out? I asked. ‘Yes, yes, yes the doc will sort you out,'" Jantjes recounted. He claims he was told to apply ice and feign a limp, a move that ultimately resulted in a fine and points deduction for the Lions.
Jantjes expressed gratitude towards Erasmus for helping him rediscover his love for rugby after a difficult period under Mains. He believes Erasmus intervened to ensure he wasn't wrongly declared injured that day in Bloemfontein. "I am grateful to Rassie. I suspect it was he who told the stadium doctor that day in Bloemfontein that I wasn’t injured. I was very fortunate to experience him later as a coach [at the Stormers]. He felt bad about what happened to me.”
Mains' 'Dishonest' Claims Spark Outrage
Mains' recent accusations against Erasmus have clearly struck a nerve with Jantjes, who experienced firsthand what he describes as Mains' willingness to bend the rules. The former All Blacks coach had said the conflict with Rassie was because "he didn’t want to train" and painted him as having "a lot of personal failings in his social life".
Jantjes Defends Erasmus' Integrity
Jantjes' strong defense of Erasmus highlights the deep divisions and lingering tensions stemming from Mains' time with the Golden Lions and Cats. The feud, which has spanned over two decades, shows no signs of abating, with Jantjes' intervention adding fuel to the fire.
- Jantjes defends Rassie Erasmus against Laurie Mains' criticism.
- Recalls being asked to fake an injury by Mains.
- Describes Mains as a "dictator".
- Expresses gratitude to Erasmus for his support.