Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ
Back

Latest Feature

Mike Blair: 'I took a lot on my shoulders at Edinburgh but I don't regret it'

The former Edinburgh coach on why he had to step down, and his new life in Japan.

World Rugby statement: Rugby World Cup final

By Liam Heagney
(Photo by Henry Browne/World Rugby via Getty Images)

World Rugby have issued a statement in light of a media report in New Zealand alleging that the governing body privately acknowledged that the Aaron Smith try disallowed in last month’s Rugby World Cup final versus the Springboks should have stood.

ADVERTISEMENT

A report on stuff.co.nz read: “The All Blacks have another incident to add to their ‘what-if’ file after their agonising 12-11 loss to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final.

“Stuff understands World Rugby has privately acknowledged to the All Blacks that the ruling out of Aaron Smith’s try in the final was in fact outside the rules, but is refusing to publicly acknowledge that.

Video Spacer

RWC Final – New Zealand v South Africa

Watch highlights, reaction and more to the RWC Final at RugbyPass TV

Watch Free

Video Spacer
RWC Final – New Zealand v South Africa

Watch highlights, reaction and more to the RWC Final at RugbyPass TV

Watch Free

“It was called back when TMO Tom Foley spotted a knock-on at a lineout, and referee Wayne Barnes then disallowed the try. However, the knock-on happened four phases before the Smith try, despite the TMO only having the power to look back two phases for any knock-on in the build-up to a try.”

New Zealand quickly reacted by scoring a try on 58 minutes through Beauden Barrett but with the conversion kick missed, they went on to lose the final by a single point, 11-12.

Related

In response to Tuesday’s media report from New Zealand, the World Rugby statement read: “As confirmed prior to Rugby World Cup 2023, World Rugby does not publicly comment on match official decisions.

“We stand by our outstanding match official team, who performing one of the hardest jobs in professional sport to an exceptional standard.

ADVERTISEMENT

“As we have seen in recent months, sadly, criticism of match officials can have wide-ranging consequences, including online hate and threats, and we must be mindful of such a human impact.”

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT
TRENDING
TRENDING England must follow South Africa's lead to achieve any success again England must follow South Africa's lead to achieve any success again
Search