Nienaber wades into debate over Rassie and Boks being 'disliked': 'All the facts aren't out'

Springbok team management's haphazard handling of Rassie Erasmus' latest World Rugby ban continued on Tuesday after head coach Jacques Nienaber contradicted himself on the issue.

After initially insisting - much like a composed Siya Kolisi did on the eve of last week's Test against Italy - that rugby was the sole focus for the side ahead of Saturday's meeting with England at Twickenham, he nonetheless intimated that the absence of certain relevant "facts" have clouded Erasmus' sanction.

"From our side, we're focused on rugby. I guess there will be many questions about Rassie's ban. For me, as a coach, I can't go into things like that. I focus more on the rugby itself," said Nienaber after announcing his team for the weekend's clash.

"For us, we're a tight-knit unit, everyone knows exactly what's going on. We're open and transparent. As a result, we, as a team, are fully aware of the facts of [the Erasmus issue]."

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While that answer would've made most PR managers and spin doctors feel content, the Bok mentor simply couldn't let things hang.

"It's disappointing for us when there are only certain facts getting out in the public domain. Of course, we fully understand why people form the opinions they have because that's the only information at their disposal. They don't know all the facts," he said.

"If all the facts were out there, people would form a different opinion. I'm not pointing fingers at anybody. I don't want to get involved in this.

"As a group, we know all the facts. Unfortunately, things went a certain way. But we're focused on the rugby and preparing our best to win a Test match against England."

15 Willie le Roux,