Bulls’ Bismarck: ‘Make rugby safer, but let’s not forget it’s a contact sport’

Veteran Bulls hooker Bismarck du Plessis understands the push to make rugby safer, but insists it must remain a contact sport and that everything must be done to prevent players staying “down” to win favour with the officials.

Du Plessis was yellow carded in the United Rugby Championship match against Ulster at the weekend after officials deemed him to have tackled opposition flyhalf Billy Burns illegally after the player stayed “down” after the tackle.

The matter was also addressed by director of rugby Jake White after the Bulls lost the match 32-23. Du Plessis’ tackle has widely been viewed as being legal and within the laws of the game.

‘Contact sport’

The former Springbok hooker said rugby should not go down the same path as football where players often dive and stay down after a tackle to win a penalty or free kick – or to get opponents in trouble.

“I understand the changes in the rules (laws). I have young kids myself, and I do think we all want to make it safer for everyone to play,” said Du Plessis.

“(But) we should also not shy away from what rugby is, it’s a contact sport.

“The big thing is to get away from where soccer is … where if you’re not happy with a decision you lie on the ground for some time and eventually they (the officials) will go back to that.

“We are treading in fine waters if we go that route.

“Rugby can be as physical as we want, but afterwards we are friends. That’s why I have always respected the All Blacks. You go as hard as can you can, within the rules, and afterwards you get the chance to have a talk with each other.”

Champions Cup

The Bulls take a break from the URC this week and will turn their attention to the Champions Cup, with them taking on Toulouse in France in a last-16 match at the weekend.

“They’re a very good side,” said Du Plessis.

“They’ve got 11 French internationals in the ranks and we will need a big team performance from the loosehead to Kurt-Lee (Arendse) at the back, and everyone in the squad.”