Rassie+ The Shape of the Game Ep. 3 | Why Rugby Must Protect the Maul

In Episode 3 of A Rassie+ Special: The Shape of the Game, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus and his coaching team focus on one of rugby union’s most unique and misunderstood contests: the maul.They unpack why rugby shouldn’t “fix” the game by changing its fundamentals — and why scrums and mauls must remain protected contests, not replaced by shortcuts like free kicks.A major focus of this episode is the growing grey area around maul defence — particularly the difference between pushing, pulling, and dragging, and how unclear interpretation creates confusion for:• referees trying to make decisions in real time• fans trying to understand what’s legal• coaches trying to build a fair contestThe episode also explores referee pressure, the role of the TMO, and why rugby must prioritise accuracy, fairness and safety before spectacle.