Rugby World Cup officiating criticised by former All Blacks
Rugby World Cup officiating criticised by former All Blacks
The impact of cards in Test rugby was bemoaned by former All Blacks and the New Zealand media after Saturday’s “heart-wrenching” 12-11 World Cup final loss to South Africa.
Although the Springboks were applauded for winning a tight final in Paris to secure the Webb Ellis Cup for a record fourth time, veteran Test players Israel Dagg and John Kirwan expressed disapproval of rulings that they felt cost the All Blacks dearly.
Dagg stated that the growing usage of red and yellow cards for professional fouls and foul play was diminishing the spectacle value of Test rugby. After Sam Cane was sent off for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel, the All Blacks were down to 14 players for the last 53 minutes of play.
Rugby’s legislators, according to Dagg, should prioritize post-game punishment even if the offense was serious since an on-field decision in this instance tipped the scales too much in favor of South Africa.
Additionally, according to Dagg, Shannon Frizell’s early yellow card for slamming into Bongi Mbonambi’s knees was unjustified, forcing the Springboks hooker to leave the game hurt.
He specifically targeted two Englishmen, television match official Tom Foley and referee Wayne Barnes, with his remarks.
“This is our highlight event, and it’s been overshadowed by a few people who are just trying to take the players’ glory and gloss away,” Dagg said to Sky Sport.
“To be honest, I’m just tired of it. It’s making our players nervous.”You can understand why gamers quit the game because it’s really dull and lacks the greatest players available.
There were a few tense moments, but resolve them after the match. Cane’s tackle was made without malice, and Jesse Kriel is okay. Media sources also emphasized Cane’s penalty as the pivotal moment in the game; the New Zealand Herald headline referred to the loss as “heart wrenching.” According to its website report, “no one, presumably, wanted a red card to be the differentiator in the final,” therefore it was a sad moment for the match and the World Cup.
Kirwan praised the Springboks and pointed out that two of their players—captain Siya Kolisi and winger Cheslin Kolbe—were given yellow cards during the second half of the match. Kirwan also praised the final’s captivating aspect.
But he thought Kolisi’s head-high contact offense deserved a red. Kirwan remarked, “I feel like crying because Sam Cane is such a tough guy. I don’t know why (Kolisi’s yellow) wasn’t upgraded to a red.”
Not very good team
Kirwan stated that the nine All Blacks players who haven’t had their contracts renewed and most likely won’t play another Test will find it difficult to accept loss.
The only player who has retired is veteran hooker Dane Coles, but eight players—among them Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, and Beauden Barrett—have signed contracts with offshore clubs, excluding them from playing for the All Blacks.
It was also the final Test of Ian Foster’s four-year tenure, which was at times challenging. Next year, Scott Robertson will take over as coach.
Kirwan expressed immense pride in the bravery exhibited by the 14 guys from New Zealand, without going so far as to call the team exceptional.
“Great teams must come out on top. Because they won the World Cup, the Springboks will be an excellent team.Overcoming adversity is what this squad will be remembered for, and it is something we should all be proud of. Getting the tough decisions and continuing to perform.” — AFP