VIDEO: Why Willemse Called for a Scrum

The Springboks’ quarter-final match against France in Paris proved to be quite the occasion, with only one point separating the two sides, which ultimately resulted in South Africa proceeding to the semi-final stage.

From tries to incredible individual performances, there was a lot to unpack from the game (you can read our thoughts here), but one of the more unusual moments was when Springbok fullback Damian Willemse called a mark from a deep French kick into the SA 22-metre territory, but instead of returning the kick, he requested a scrum.

It’s a known fact that you can do so, but it’s extremely rare and left many scratching their heads as to why it was done.

Forever Rugby got the opportunity to ask Springbok director of rugby Rassie Erasmus why that was done: