South Africa and Scotland are currently going head-to-head in an intruiging Pool B encounter at the Rugby World Cup, with the Springboks leading the tie in Marseilles.
Two Manie Libbok penalties gave Rassie Erasmus' team an early lead before Finn Russell slotted over to halve the deficit on the stroke of half-time.
South Africa have since taken command.
Their second penalty however saw an interesting intervention from the coaching box as another ex-Munster man Felix Jones, who made an impact for the province down the years both on and off the pitch, appeared to make a call down to the players.
With the aid of a light after South Africa won their penalty Jones signalled to the players who then opted to go for points rather than kick to the corner.
Springboks signal noticed by viewers
Good old tactics from the Boks. #RSAvSCO pic.twitter.com/bfLVjtyR2L
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) September 10, 2023
Springboks blatantly advertising their official 'Rassie World Cup Children's Lullaby Night Light' during the match. #RSAvSCO pic.twitter.com/Lp21rKnGXZ
— James Stafford 🇺🇦 (@jpstafford) September 10, 2023
#Springboks coaching box sending signals to players on the pitch #RSAvsSCO #RugbyWorldCup pic.twitter.com/28QYO53cND
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) September 10, 2023
#RSAvsSCO … “phone home…..” #rugbyworldcup2023 pic.twitter.com/bBGerRP8hT
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) September 10, 2023
Felix Jones with the 🚦 signals #ScotlandSouthAfrica #RWC pic.twitter.com/XjyeAsUt5g
— ChristopherCadwell (@TheWell3) September 10, 2023
“Greetings friend, have you heard the Good News about The Orb?” pic.twitter.com/Mz2HommUzl
— Josh Gardner (@joshgardner) September 10, 2023
It is not the first time that the traffic-light system has been used by Erasmus.
Bernard Jackman points out that it was deployed during his time coaching The Cheetahs, while Three Red Kings say that he used it during his days with the Irish province too.
Rassie Erasmus famously used a traffic light system to get messages onto the field back when he coached the @CheetahsRugby . Back in action at the @rugbyworldcup #RWC2023 #rterugby https://t.co/e3OEuem9yS
— Bernard Jackman (@bernardjackman) September 10, 2023
And he used it at Munster too! https://t.co/dEi9iBAgS0
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) September 10, 2023
It is unclear what the other colours stand for but one it appears to be yet another clever tick up Erasmus' sleeve.
This afternoon's game is the second match in the pool and will be watched closely by Andy Farrell and his Irish squad.
Ireland defeated Romania yesterday afternoon in Bordeaux on a 82-8 scoreline in scorching hot conditions and will face Tonga in their next game.
Farrell's men scored twelve tries as they ran riot in what was an impressive victory against one of the tournament's minnows.
Johnny Sexton made a welcome return, while Peter O'Mahony put in a strong man of the match performance.
Ireland face the Springboks on the 23rd of September in what we be a massive fixture.
SEE ALSO: Johnny Sexton's Gesture During The Anthems Showed His Captain's Smarts
