Rugby World Cup officiating criticised by former All Blacks

South Africa’s Siya Kolisi is shown a yellow card by referee Wayne Barnes. – Photo credit: ReutersJoin our WhatsApp channel, follow us on Instagram and get the latest news browser notifications you need. Sunday, October 29, 2023 8:21 AM

MYTWELLINGTON, Oct 29 – Former All Blacks and New Zealand props have lamented the card’s impact on Test rugby after Saturday’s “heartbreaking” 12-11 World Cup final defeat to South Africa.The Springboks were praised for lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for a fourth time in a tense decider in Paris, but former Test stars Israel Dagg and John Kirwan criticized their performance, which left the All Blacks with a heavy loss.Dagg argued that “the increasing use of red and yellow cards for foul play and professional fouling is eroding Test rugby as a great game”.

 

The All Blacks were reduced to 14 men for the final 53 minutes after Sam Kane was sent off for a tackle on Jesse Creel.Dagg said that while the offense was serious, the rugby referee should have prioritized punishment after the match because the on-field decisions in the incident had put the game too far in South Africa’s favour. Dagg also said Shannon Frizell’s early yellow card for falling on Bongi Mbonambi’s leg, forcing the Springboks out of the game through injury, was justified.He focused his criticism on British referee Wayne Barnes and TV official Tom Foley.


“It’s our show that takes the glory away from the players and it’s overshadowed by a few people who shine,” Doug told Sky Sport.”Honestly, it breaks my heart… It strikes fear into the hearts of our players.“I understand why people are reluctant because the game is boring because they don’t have the best players. “There were some controversial moments but we have to deal with them after the game. There was no harm in (Kane’s performance) and Jesse Kriel did a good job.The media also highlighted Kane’s penalty as the defining moment of the final, with the New Zealand Herald calling the defeat “heartbreaking”. “It was a sad moment for both the game and the World Cup as no one would want to receive a red card in the final,” the website said.Kirwan praised the thrilling nature of the final and praised the Springboks, noting that two players – captain Siya Kolisi and winger Cheslin Kolbe – received yellow cards in the second half. But he felt the header was warranted a red thanks to Kolisi’s excellent touch.

“I want to cry because Sam Kane is so hard on a man,” Kirwan said, adding: “I don’t know why (Kolisi’s yellow) didn’t go to red.”Not a “big” team.Kirwan said another Test was impossible because a loss would be difficult for the nine All Blacks who did not have their contracts renewed. Veteran-focused Dane Coles is the only player to retire, but others include Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith and Boden Barrett. The All Blacks will not be able to use them as eight players have signed contracts with clubs overseas.It was also the final test of four tough years for manager Ian Foster, who will face Scott Robertson next year.


“New Zealand should be very proud of the courage shown by their 14 players,” said Kirwan, who did not describe Team New Zealand as a strong team.”The big team has to win. The Springboks will be a great team because they won the World Cup.“What this team will be remembered for, and what we should all be proud of, is overcoming adversity. We make difficult decisions and continue to implement them.” – AFP

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