Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus has dismissed as insignificant the reaction of a large part of the Newlands crowd, who on Sunday jeered controversial loose forward Luke Watson on a number of occasions during his team’s 43-33 victory over English Premiership club Saracens.

The Saturday Star, Pretoria News, The Independant and the Sunday Argus reported last weekend about the possibility of Luke Watson getting a cold reception from the Newlands crowd. They quoted SA Rugby Blog editor-in-chief Andrew Norman as saying:

“…many of the bloggers had not forgiven Watson. ‘The comments are not of a good nature. A lot of the hate has not yet subsided, he’s still in deep trouble.’

Norman said Watson had been “crucified” before a hearing was even held, adding that he might be booed or jeered.

“In English Premier League Soccer, a player is booed when he even touches the ball. That won’t be a good thing for the Stormers or for South African rugby.”

While some of the spectators cheered when Watson scored a try, another larger portion jeered the flank – in what is clearly a reaction to his comments at a rugby function last year when he said he was so disgusted with wearing the Springbok jersey that he wanted to vomit on it.

Playing at No.8 in the Stormers’ first Super 14 pre-season game – in preparation for the start of the Super 14 competition next month – Watson appears to have made piece with his teammates, many of them Springboks.

That is certainly the message from the coach, Erasmus, but not a sentiment shared by the crowd.

Erasmus was adamant that the controversial loose forward does have the support of his teammates.

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Stormers and Springbok loose forward Luke Watson escaped unhurt from a light accident in Bellville on Monday afternoon.
Watson’s black BMW was damaged, however, after another motorist allegedly skipped a red light and hit the front left of the Springbok’s car. Stormers spokesperson Frikkie Erasmus confirmed the incident.

“Nobody has been hurt. The front of Luke’s car has been damaged. There were some surprised onlookers when they saw Luke and some of his teammates at the scene,” said Erasmus.
Watson was calm afterwards and relieved that his car had not been reduced to a wreck.

“The person drove over a red light. It was at the intersection of Jip de Jager Lane and Voortrekker Street. My teammates teased me as they came past,” said Watson.

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