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Cape Town - Retired South African referee Jonathan Kaplan has commented on Irish referee John Lacey's decision to send Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks to the sin-bin in last Saturday's Test against Wales in Cardiff.
Hendricks received a yellow card in the 62nd minute of the clash when he contested a high ball with Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny.
The referee decided to yellow card Hendricks, despite both players going for the the ball.
Kaplan commented on the decision via his website, www.ratetheref.co.za.
Kaplan pointed to the fact that World Rugby has made it clear that they want to protect the vulnerable defending jumper in the air, which in this scenario was Halfpenny.
"It is a good decision," Kaplan wrote. "However some of the decisions around this principle is making the game not only a lottery but it is also denuding the game of the very important element of the kick-chase. It is once again prone to over-sanitisation, and has the capacity to ruin a Test match or at the very least rob the spectators of the much desired contest."
Kaplan felt the referee's decision to yellow card Hendricks was harsh.
CLICK HERE for Kaplan's full explanation on the issue.
Hendricks received a yellow card in the 62nd minute of the clash when he contested a high ball with Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny.
The referee decided to yellow card Hendricks, despite both players going for the the ball.
Kaplan commented on the decision via his website, www.ratetheref.co.za.
Kaplan pointed to the fact that World Rugby has made it clear that they want to protect the vulnerable defending jumper in the air, which in this scenario was Halfpenny.
"It is a good decision," Kaplan wrote. "However some of the decisions around this principle is making the game not only a lottery but it is also denuding the game of the very important element of the kick-chase. It is once again prone to over-sanitisation, and has the capacity to ruin a Test match or at the very least rob the spectators of the much desired contest."
Kaplan felt the referee's decision to yellow card Hendricks was harsh.
"On Saturday I thought Hendricks went for the ball, jumping simultaneously with the Welsh jumper Leigh Halfpenny who unfortunately missed the ball. He may not have got as high but I really cannot understand the relevance of this at all.
"The result was a poor decision to card Hendricks especially as this was viewed in slow motion which makes it even more difficult to fathom."CLICK HERE for Kaplan's full explanation on the issue.
