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World Rugby statement: Rugby World Cup final
By Liam Heagney
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.
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.
"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.
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.
"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.”
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Latest Comments
I think it's the least likely possibility Ed.
Go to commentsScotland should win this one, considering they are the settled team compared to Australia. However, that is no guarantee that they will win. The Aussies tails is up, and they are throwing everything at the opposition.
When the Aussie fans cracked up and got angry when Joe Schmidt was appointed, I said to them to be patient, that he will get them on the right track. They said that he is not Australian and he won nothing. Second best. I should mind my own business because I don't know the Aussie ways, which is true as I'm SA.
However, now that he is bringing in results, they are all changing their minds. Joe is all in when he coaches a team. There is no team he supports more than the team he coaches. His quality is shining through properly now.
It's going to be a very tight game, much tighter than people realise. Both teams is playing exciting rugby right now. They both want to win. I'd even go as far as marking this game as the top game of the weekend.
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