PERPETUAL stoppages have become the scourge of international rugby. The biggest culprits in this regard are South Africa. The world champions are using cynical stop-start tactics to disrupt the opposition flow and stall momentum at crucial moments when the Springboks are under pressure, or, alternatively, using calls for medical assistance to get a breather before a big push of their own to get over the opposition line.
It is pure gamesmanship, with Springbok players continuously shamming minor injuries by dropping to one knee, or staying on the deck after a collision not tackle. More ofte...