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Kaplan rubbishes World Rugby's decision

Cape Town - Former South African Test referee Jonathan Kaplan has rubbished World Rugby's decision to not punish the All Black Sevens side despite them fielding eight players in a game at the Sydney Sevens last weekend.

During a pool stage match against Australia, New Zealand scored a late try to sneak a 17-all draw.

However, replays afterwards showed the Kiwis had eight players on the field while they scored the final try.

The All Black Sevens eventually went on to win the Sydney Sevens event after scoring another stoppage-time try in the final against Australia. 

World Rugby on Thursday concluded its investigation into an alleged breach of Law 3 by the All Blacks Sevens team.

Law 3.2 provides for the sanction of a penalty kick where a team fields more than the maximum number of players. The referee, Craig Joubert, was not aware of the additional New Zealand player on the pitch prior to the conclusion of the match.

Despite admitting that the All Black Sevens had fielded eight players, World Rugby found it fit to not impose any punishment on the New Zealanders.

READ World Rugby's explanation here.

Kaplan feels the decision is ridiculous and he commented on the matter via his official Facebook page:

"What a load of rubbish ! No one is accountable ? A team scores the winning try with an extra player on the field and thereby distorts the whole ethos of sport ( a fair contest ) and it's all one big mistake .. I can honestly say I don't think deliberate cheating is remotely possible but when the winner of the tournament has been distorted , and perhaps the winner of the whole competition , you gotta ask how long the public will accept this ?"

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ... 8! (Fox Sports)
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