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Referee Luke Pearce praised for handling of Canadian red card

Canada's Josh Larsen is shown the red card by referee Luke Pearce in Kobe (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

In a World Cup where officials have come under a lot of criticism, even from World Rugby, Luke Pearce has been praised for his refereeing of South Africa’s contest with Canada on Tuesday.  

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The English official handed Canadian lock Josh Larsen a red in the first half for a shoulder charge to the head of Springboks prop Thomas du Toit. However, it wasn’t necessarily the decision to give a red card which was praised, as it was unanimously deemed to be a red, but his handling of the situation. 

Pearce was thorough in his decision-making and was not intent on rushing the decision. While the television match official seemed reluctant to call it a red, as there was initially contact to the shoulder, the referee was forthright in his conviction. 

When some referees have been keen to downgrade cards to a yellow at times this RWC for fear of a backlash, Pearce didn’t shirk in his decision. The manner in which he explained the call – saying “I’m sure you’re aware of the current climate” – only justified why he made the right choice. 

In light of this decision, he has been praised as the best referee in the competition by fans on Twitter, which is rare praise as referees have been lambasted by fans over the past few weeks for a multitude of reasons, including allegations of bias. This is what was said:

https://twitter.com/popeycymru/status/1181525147771179009?s=20

https://twitter.com/jarleth_eaton/status/1181526730307244032?s=20

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While some red cards and tackles have been debatable at times in this RWC, this was a clear red in Kobe and a senseless act of foul play by Larsen. Similar to Italy’s red card for Andrea Lovotti against the Springboks last week, the offence occurred on South Africa’s line. 

Not only were Canada in the ascendency, but this was also simply wanton violence that was not needed. This would probably have been a red card on most occasions, but with World Rugby seeking to clamp down on any contact to the head over the past couple of years and during this RWC, this sanction had to be given. 

WATCH: RugbyPass gets the fans’ verdict following South Africa’s easy win over Canada

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DarstedlyDan 45 minutes ago
New Zealanders may not understand, but in France Test rugby is the 'B movie'

Italy have a top 14 issue too, that’s true. I doubt SA are overly pleased by that, although it’s countered somewhat by the fact they would expect to thrash them anyway, so perhaps are not that bothered.


The BIL teams are (aside from Ireland) A/B teams - still with many A team players. I would rather the England team touring Argentina be playing the ABs than this French one.


France could have reduced the complaints and the grounds for such if they had still picked the best team from those eligible/available. But they haven’t even done that. This, plus the playing of silly b@ggers with team selection over the three tests is just a big middle finger to the ABs and the NZ rugby public.


One of the key reasons this is an issue is the revenue sharing one. Home teams keep the ticket revenues. If the July tours are devalued to development larks then the crowds will not show up (why go watch teams featuring names you’ve never heard of?). This costs the SH unions. The NH unions on the other hand get the advantage of bums on seats from full strength SH teams touring in November. If the NH doesn’t want to play ball by touring full strength, then pay up and share gate receipts. That would be fair, and would reduce the grounds for complaint from the south. This has been suggested, but the NH unions want their cake and eat it too. And now, apparently, we are not even allowed to complain about it?


Finally - no one is expecting France to do things the way NZ or SA do. We oddly don’t really mind that it probably makes them less successful at RWC than they would otherwise have been. But a bit of willingness to find a solution other than “lump it, we’re French” would go a looonnng way.

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