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There are certain qualities that separate rugby from most other sports, and of these qualities respect stands above all.
We often hear of players talking about having a beer with their opponents in the dressing room after a game, and by and large rival spectator groups get on quite well too.
We are spared the footballing scenes of the so called ‘beautiful game’ which see referees being chased down by players, stadiums on fire, riot police, and racist abuse. To all those people who deride rugby as a ‘2nd tier’ sport, they would do well to observe the spirit in which we play our game.
Not even cricket, the gentleman’s game, can match it. I’d like to point out an example in Saturday’s game. When Romain Poite sent Bismark du Plessis to the bin for his tackle on Dan Carter and gave his reasons as being no arms and high, Bismark was shocked.
He exclaimed ‘High?’ and Jean de Villiers immediately tapped him on the tummy and Bismark trotted off without a word. Respect for the referee, Respect for the captain and amazing sportsmanship.
This is what our game is about. So to everyone who is having a right whinge or gloat I say – let it go. Take a deep breath and lets look forward to Ellis Park. All Blacks vs the Springboks is the absolute pinnacle of our sport, one of sport’s greatest rivalries, and lets honour that.
The game was well on its way to being a classic until Poite ruined it. My initial thought, and the NZ commentators queried it as well, was that Bismark was offside. The replays however showed that the ball was in general play right throughout and therefore the hit was unquestionably fair.
The second card was unfortunate but deserved as it was dangerous play, but I have no doubt that Bismark did not mean to elbow Liam Messam in the throat. His sending off removed all tension in the game for me and that ended the game as a contest.
My general impressions of the game (keeping the numerical advantage to a side) was that the All Blacks were on top in almost all facets. After having been dusted in the very first scrum, the ABs came back quite strongly (not counting the 8 v 7 ones); they were impressive at lineout time, and they dominated the breakdown.
Watching Brodie Retallick and Eben Etzebeth go toe-to-toe was simply awesome and we are blessed to be able to look forward to a decade of these two going hammer and tongs at each other.
If someone had asked me who I would like to officiate Saturday’s match, I would have, without any hesitation, said Craig Joubert.
The very best matches have to be officiated by the very best referees and Joubert has been the world’s best for quite awhile now and I would have issues with him taking over that game.
The number of 3N/RC that has been unduly influenced by NH refs is reaching ridiculous proportions and I have to question the wisdom of it. They have no feel for the way the game is played down here and I reckon the process needs to be looked at.
The 47,000 odd people at the stadium and the millions watching on TV were deprived the pleasure of an absolutely cracking match because of one man’s error and that is unacceptable.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.