Wayne Barnes is receiving death threats for how he officiated the Rugby World Cup final won 12-11 by South Africa, and there is one moment causing a lot of fuss among All Blacks fans.
All Blacks supporters are claiming that Barnes apologised to stand-in skipper Ardie Savea for getting a decision wrong, but still allowed the Springboks to kick a three-pointer.
A close analysis of video from that moment in the match clarifies the situation and what was actually said.
In the 17th minute, South African No. 8 Duane Vermeulen carries the ball into a tackle, with Tyrel Lomax making the first hit. As the big Bok goes to ground, Savea makes the second tackle and moves quickly to steal the ball. Vermeulen holds on and Barnes penalises Savea – the tackler is meant to let go of the opponent before moving in to steal the ball.
As Handre Pollard lines up to shoot the penalty, Savea queries Barnes about the call. Only one side of the conversation is captured on the referee’s microphone. Savea is thought to be drawing the referee’s attention to a replay of the incident on the big screen.
Barnes replies: “Sorry, mate, I didn’t see the replay. I thought you stayed on him. I didn’t see you come off enough.”
Barnes is clear about his reasons for giving the penalty – he believes Savea did not break away enough before grabbing the ball. Rather than the referee admitting guilt, the use of the word “sorry” seems to be Barnes politely saying he didn’t see the replay. Or it could be he was politely acknowledging to Savea that his own interpretation was different from that of the All Blacks No 8.
Sky commentator Grant Nisbett is the first to misunderstand the comment.
“Bit of a tough call in a World Cup final, to concede a mistake,” says the veteran broadcaster.
In the World Rugby laws, Section 14.5 says:
- Tacklers must immediately release the ball and ball carrier after both players go to the ground;
- Immediately move away from the tackled player and from the ball to get up;
- Be on their feet before attempting to play the ball;
- Allow the tackled player to release or play the ball;
- Allow the tackled player to move away from the ball;
- Sanction is a penalty for failing to do so.
- https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/wayne-barnes-world-cup-final-referee-cops-abuse-from-all-blacks-fans-for-crucial-call-in-favour-of-springboks/JL5JXTHV4RBOFNB4GAL4JUJRYA/
