Last update on. From the section Rugby UnionRugby Australia described Erasmus's comments regarding referee Berry as "unacceptable".After his criticisms of match officials after their first defeat by the British Lions, South Africa's director of rugby Rassie Erasmus will be subject to misconduct hearing.World Rugby stated that Erasmus's hour-long video monologue was an "extensive, direct nature", which could be a breach of the Code of Conduct.It stated that officials are the "backbone" to the sport in a statement.It said, "Without them, there is no game.""World Rugby condemns all public criticisms of their performance, integrity, or selection. This includes the trust-based and well-established coach-officials feedback process and, more importantly, the values at the core of the sport.Erasmus spoke direct to the camera for 62 minutes. He emphasized the Australian referee Nic Berry's performance in the match that the tourists won 22-17.He felt that South Africa's players, including captain Siyakolisi, were not treated in the same way as the Lions and Alun Wyn Jones.Erasmus stated in the Vimeo video: "Let Springboks and Lions have an equal chance of playing on the field in respect to laws, respect, and how players are treated in pre-match meetings with coaches, how they give feedback after matches, and how it is handled in media.""It was comical how much respect they showed the South African players in comparison to the Lions players."According to the World Rugby statement, both sides were reminded of their responsibility to maintain the integrity of rugby.It stated that the event was an opportunity for both sides and their managers to set a positive example, and focus on the spectacle and the best of rugby and its values.South Africa tied the series at level with a convincing 27-9 win in Cape Town's second Test last weekend.The series decider will take place in Cape Town at 17:00 BST on Saturday.
