Share

Ref warned over no-try blunder

Auckland - Irish referee George Clancy will control the opening match in the Rugby World Cup, but faces a warning about his no-try blunder which cost the All Blacks in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

VIDEO: Controversial TMO decision

According to Wynne Gray of the NZ Herald website, Clancy asked for a "try or no try" verdict in Jimmy Cowan's touchdown, but broadened that inquiry when television match official Johann Meuwesen asked if he needed more information about a forward pass.

Eventually the pair rubbed the try out but International Rugby Board referees' boss Paddy O'Brien said the ruling was incorrect.

"The referee and the television match official were operating outside our agreed protocol," O'Brien said.

"That will be addressed with George (Clancy) in our review of the game. It was disappointing and will form part of our discussions when we next meet."

O'Brien said the gaffe would not have any World Cup consequences for the Irish official who is set to referee the tournament's opening game between the All Blacks and Tonga. Meuwesen is not involved in the tournament.

"They made a call they were not entitled to make. If that means referees miss a knock-on or something else in the lead-up to a try, then that's the way it is. This has all been talked about at the IRB level and that was the decision," O'Brien said.

South African Sean Veldsman was the original choice to monitor the television judgments at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium but he was replaced by schoolteacher Meuwesen who originally hailed from Namibia.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1162 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1357 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2067 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE