1
Even South African fans stunned as TMO decision rubs out Crusaders' match-winning try
By Online Editors
The Crusaders have failed to beat a South African side for the second time in three weeks, coming away from Newlands with a 19-all draw against the Stormers.
It seemed that the Crusaders would take the match when in-form wing Sevu Reece blistered down the sideline in the 75th minute before chipping ahead into the Stormers backfield. A fortuitous bounce found its way back into Reece's hands to score what would've been a match-sealing try. A contentious TMO decision ruled a forward pass in the lead-up by Braydon Ennor to deny the score.
The ball did appear to sail forward from Ennor's pass that left his hands on halfway and was caught by Reece a few metres in front of that, but whether he propelled the ball backward out of the hands remains contentious.
The Stormers have not been without refereeing controversy this season when the visiting Lions were undone by questionable penalties to keep the game going which resulted in a try in the 85th-minute to win the match for the home side in Round 2. The match was refereed by former Stormers player Egon Seconds.
The ensuing scrum gave the Stormers the platform they needed to make a last-ditch effort at stealing the win, which they earnt a penalty from to set-up a grandstand finish. They could have taken the match themselves when a try went begging to Damian Willemse who knocked-on a cross-field kick with the line begging.
With advantage being played for high tackle, Stormers captain Siya Kolisi opted to kick a penalty goal to tie the match instead of going for the win.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
All Blacks XV player ratings vs Munster
3
Suaalii strikes awe as Wallabies lose midfielder
4
Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
5
Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
Go to comments