Oh, the irony of it all. When All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan reflected on his perceived sense of officiating flaws, mainstream media gifted him prime-time viewing.
Where were these entitled nations when the likes of Fiji, Manu Samoa, and Los Pumas, to name a few, had bemoaned not receiving the rub of the green during the tournament in France?
The bragging rights of a record 4th title belongs to the Springboks, after a nail-biting 12-11 win in Saint-Denis on Sunday morning (Southern Hemisphere time). The one-try fest had become a gargantuan task for the ABs who had played almost 60 minutes with 14 men.
The Boks, also picking up two yellow cards against the ABs’ one upgraded to red for skipper Sam Cane, minutes out of halftime, had reduced the final to a 14-men affair for 20 minutes. Them’s the breaks, right?
Nope, according to Ryan who is, no doubt, echoing the sentiments of the ABs camp which would have woken up to a throbbing pain that will dog it for some time. Rewind to ex-ABs reliving the 1995 RWC title loss to South Africa.
“The cards and the accuracy cost us in the end, and it’s a tough one,” lamented Ryan, choking as his tear ducts broke their bank. “You just want consistency in the game, don’t you? That’s all you want.”
New Zealand’s Sam Cane heads to the sin bin after being shown a yellow during the Rugby World Cup 2023 final match at the Stade de France in Paris, France. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
Bingo, Ryan, but where were you when the “lesser nations” were agonising over refereeing/TMO howlers that had cost them historic playoffs? The all-English, 4-point control didn’t foster impartiality but making Wayne Barnes a scapegoat is so unfair and yesteryear.
The ABs’ pain isn’t any more intense than that of the “minnows”. Hey, that I can’t recall the All Blacks ever crying openly in public after a match doesn’t raise the stakes. If anything, that sort of carry on is reserved for the changing sheds in a code where players and fans are urged to “suck it up” and “move on”.
In fairness to Ryan, he had clarified: “…It’s tough for them [but] we move on, don’t we? That’s sport.” Every other nation had to, albeit some with less tact, resorting to scuffles rather than hugs and handshakes.
For those entitled fans who had rejoiced in the All Blacks’ controversial 8-7 win over France at home in the 2011 RWC, they now know how Les Bleus and their faithful would have tried to exorcise their demons. But this isn’t about payback time – just ask the unwanted Dane Coles.
The outgoing veteran bench hooker had to become the billboard of ill discipline in missing out in the 2023 final but, I’m guessing, he isn’t going to feel the warmth of his silver medal, never mind if it had been gold. He may revisit the subject in his memoir.
South Africa’s Siya Kolisi celebrates at full-time after winning Rugby’s world cup. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Let’s look at Ryan’s bone of contention. If the TMO saw red in Sam Cane, why not his Boks counterpart, Siya Kolisi, after his head collision with Ardie Savea in the 45th?
That’s because Cane had no mitigating factors, his shoulder driving straight into Jesse Kriel’s noggin. That’s not a collision. That falls within the ambit of recklessness. To steal Cane’s emotions, he will have to live that down.
To be frank, Shannon Frizel’s coat hanger on Mbongeni Monambi in just the 3rd minute could easily have been a red, too. The flanker was deemed to have crushed the Boks’ only specialist hooker’s leg, ending his final. Cynical or coincidence? The Boks’ lineouts had fallen apart like a house of cards after that. Scrums so-so.
The pragmatics will argue the ABs should have kicked better between the posts and with touch finders. Small change can make an accumulative difference at the stock exchange.
To stick with Will Jordan, when it had become obvious he was out of his depth as a rookie winger was questionable. As a specialist fullback he could have replaced Beauden Barret but that ship has sailed.
All said and done, World Rugby will do well to keep its ear on the ground to bridge the gap of disparity between nations.
MM
Roar Rookie
No. They went to yellow, had it it reviewed for a red card upgrade and that review (which I think is official, yeah?) came back with it not being a red because he didn’t target the leg. It was reviewed for the coat hanger you claim and Barnes clearly said his hand was over the shoulder (which it was). Your point at the start of the article was that NZ can’t complain because the minnows got a rough run from the officials earlier in the tournament and NZ didn’t say anything then. You then drift into a vague claim that NZ didn’t get any bad decisions from the refs at all. Which is it? The one thing we can agree on is Barnes should not have been threatened. By anyone (he had similar treatment from other nations fans). Like many NZ fans I find that abhorrent, but you seem to want to lump us all in together. That’s pretty poor form from someone claiming to be a writer.
Fruitpicker
Roar Rookie
BBR … Here are my honest responses. That’s the same question someone else had asked me: 1/. Yep, Jordan was out of his depth in the final as well as the loss to France in pool play where Fozz had benched him after that. His spate of tries against Los Pumas isn’t the same intensity of a match. He is a rookie winger but a specialist fullback. But you knew that, watching rugger for yonks, right? 2/. Yes, I’ve watched rugger for yonks, including covering RWCs. Hey, does that make my opinions anymore palatable to you? Nah, didn’t think so. I’ve also covered international athletics, basketball, cricket, golf, etc. I can’t have been too good to make it to that level, right. Here is my fair question to you: Have you ever read an article where the writer isn’t jumping up and down with pom-poms on a stage, trying to win fans/readers with like/love emojis? If you haven’t, then it isn’t uncompromising journalism and a compelling read. If you didn’t take a step back to look at another opinion that criticises your team or favourite players to say they have a point, you’re patriotic. Those who aspire to be worthy writers don’t care about taking sides. They just call a game it they see it without fear.
Fruitpicker
Roar Rookie
Brendan NH Fan ... that's why Roar is godsend, right? Most discerning readers/viewers, etc, had worked out "popular" had stopped operating as the "4th Estate" decades ago. That's why mainstream media's illegitimate children have come close to suffocating them with a pillow when they've been asleep quite often. That's why social media offers fans a direct engagement with each other. Sure, some remarks are mindless, especially when clickbait is dangled. Nonetheless, it's uncensored opinion as long as it isn't abusive and ugly. The RWC and previous ones, including regular tests and marquee matches, have been riddled with mistakes. Most pragmatic fans will accept that but it's "inconsistencies", especially against the "peripheral nations" that those with a conscience can't stomach. The chosen nations do little by protecting their patch with silence ... until it happens to them. That's why rugby union and its officiating, eligibility rules, etc, are in such a mess. I've read your lengthy feedback earlier on how it can be a better voting process. Interesting you should turn it into a post for different opinions. Keep FIFA out of it. Soccer is the biggest global team sport for a reason. What can rugby do? Seeing Africa, Pacific/Ocean, etc, as "problem" is the fundament issue with the code. They aren't. Those who are disenfranchised have little incentive to be members, never mind play to know they'll ever be at the level of ABs, Boks, etc. That some unions aren't members is WR's biggest concern. A breakaway body may be looming if sponsors emerge, including TV coverage. If RWC has revealed one certainty, it is that "minnows" fans will pay and/or travel to support their nations. They also can be more cultured. Again, interesting topic so if you post it, I'll keep an eye out. All the best!
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
The big problem is how do you make the sport Global without it becoming like FIFA which is dominated by UEFA. I think votes should be be given to each nation based on a few thing. 1. Member of WR (not all unions are member of WR). 2. 1 vote for each men and women team you have at 15s and 7s (teams like Argentina don't have a women 15s team which this would address). 3. 1 vote if you have a professional team playing a minimum number of games per year in a league with a minimum number of teams (UEFA does not could nation leagues with less than 8 teams). 4. I do think that their should be an overall extra vote for Nations that are doing alot for the sport like the 6Ns and RC but should not be limited to these teams such as Japan and would need clear guidelines on what is involved. The problem is and always has been Africa has 20(4) members (associates), Asia 19 (9), Europe 38 (3), Americas 20 (4), Oceania 11, Total 108 (20). So while Europe only makes up 35% of the teams it has the most T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 teams who all play each year and nearly all of them have teams in 7s and 15s. They also have the most teams with professional clubs. In reality the 6Ns would live with any changes especially as it easy to bring N Africa or even all of Africa into its orbit. 23/60 women's teams are European on the World rankings. 39/112 on the mens rankings. If you looks with countries who have a team playing in a league with 8 teams Europe has 14 nations with a team. So be careful what you wish for as it becoming a global sport really means it will become a European sport. Currently Europe has 22 votes out of 51. With the money/power it has (as we have seen with recent WR votes) that would only move one way. Just like lots of T2 vote with the 6Ns for games so to would the T3 for games against the T2 European nations and so on. Sadly the current system is the only system that will allow unions like NZR and RA to have a voice at the table.
BBR
Roar Rookie
"That the Ryans of today have never supported the lesser nations is why rugby union is in such a mess, bro." Go to sleep bro and stop writing about rugby. Jase Ryan in case you weren't aware, which you obviously weren't was the ex Fiji forwards coach. Yeah, he's done nothing at all for lesser nations.
BBR
Roar Rookie
Will Jordan is a rookie winger apparently :laughing: :laughing: . Honest question, have you ever watched a game of rugby before?
Fruitpicker
Roar Rookie
Riccardo … thank you for little mercies. That I come across arrogant is part of the writing ego. Roar offers a great opportunity for “rookies” to realise that dream of a published article. I’m trying to seek those genuine writers to embrace a compelling and fearless stance without worrying about personal attacks. It isn’t about the author, it’s about how readers react and if they have any substance in their feedback. Writers just need to be honest and impartial, even if iit’s against their own. Mistakes are a given.
Fruitpicker
Roar Rookie
Jake Heke … that’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me here. I’ll say tēnā koe and wish you kia kaha. I’m extremely proud of my heritage and giving back. I’m just trying here to give back to a career that gave me so much. I’m also doing my utmost to give back to my birth country, that’s why I stand up for “unfair processes” against the Pacifika peoples. That’s also why it must mean even if I trample on some of the privileges my adopted country of Aotearoa enjoy. It’s just the journalist in me. If the islands do something deplorable, I’m the first to be critical. NZ is no different for me. I’ve received criticism from people who accuse me for having a foot in both camps “when it suits you” but I remind them they have enjoyed multiple citizenships for yonks. Yes, I stand up for marginalised codes in NZ, including basketball, rugby league, softball, women’s sport. In fact, I used to come under a lot of criticism more than 10 years ago for giving a women’s rugby final the back page, not to mention other codes. It’s fashionable now for media to do it as a gesture of diversity and equality. Good luck to them. Thanks for engaging, even if it got personal. I did try to keep a low profile. I am doing other things in life but journalism is what feeds my soul … when I have time.
Fruitpicker
Roar Rookie
Jake Heke ... you ever earned a dime with a published article? You wouldn't post this if you did. This is for laughs, bro. No money in this. You are on a roll, dude. Keep it coming. I've earned thousands while waiting for my new career to sprout outside writing. Hey, go further down the profile and you'll find a few endorsement from satisfied customers. I'll send you a few glowing ones from several people I've helped self-publish their books. It's a great journey. Again, like refs, writers will never be perfect no matter which publish house promises "perfection". They can only promise to minimise the number of errors to a respectable standard. But you know that for someone who is "published", right?
Fruitpicker
Roar Rookie
Brendan NH fan ... well that's a great question everyone should be asking. Is the code just about 1, 2, or 6 nations, or is it about what it claims to be — a global sport. You see, if Ryan's hollering and England's post-match shenanigans are anything to go by, it's just for the chosen ones. To be fair, that is something World Rugby needs to address to put every faithful's mind at rest.
Fruitpicker
Roar Rookie
Jake Heke ... I pushed to be made redundant, dude. The establishment I was working for had tarnished the image of journalism. No one worth his salt would be associated with it. Those who do need to pay their mortgage. If you Google my name (which you have), you also would have comprehended why. The best decision I made. Fantastic career, lousy people running it. FYI, I don't go looking for pseudonyms based on fictional characters. Hit your profile here and it's blank. That'll do for me. I don't hide behind faceless logos and missing profiles. Pointless getting personal. Stick to the subject. "Former journalist"? Still a freelance writer/editor/proofreader/author/journalist. Soon to be an organic farmer, managing director. Not bragging, You did ask, bro. Anything else constructive you'd like to ask a multi-award-winning journo?
Fruitpicker
Roar Rookie
MM ... let me start by stating there were no "minnows" in the final that I was watching. Also, the last time I had checked, World Rugby and its officials weren't in the habit of conducting "official reviews" for the benefit of the public. I'm not up with the latest news. My view of what happened in the ruck is stated above, albeit it doesn't outline Frizell's coat-hanger tackle to Mbonambi's neck. What you or I see is irrelevant because Barnes went to the TMO/bunker and the verdict was a yellow. What points is my post trying to make? Myriad but to stick with your feedback on the Frizell yellow card, refs make mistakes but that's also why having a TMO/bunker is good insurance cover. It's better than pretending that the whistleblower's mistakes will be more palatable. Why? Because the Kiwi fans wanted to lynch Barnes for the loss against France in 2007 RWC quarterfinal but the same whistleblower has, reportedly, quit the game this week after death threats to him and his family following the AB's loss. Sad indictment on rugby union.
MM
Roar Rookie
Ummm, the official review came back saying Frizzell didn’t target the leg. No targeting and it’s not even a penalty, let alone a card. Review the footage, his knee goes to ground first before he topples over into the hooker (and a stray Kitshoff elbow to the head). Are you trying to make the point that officiating was good in the final, or that it was bad for minnows as well?
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
Appreciate the lengths you have gone to in your reply, despite the fact it is patronising and arrogant. While I'll accept you may believe some of the points you make the most salient take-away: agreeing to disagree... Let's leave it there...
Jake Heke
Roar Rookie
You’re a Fijian bro. Be proud of your roots, don't forget them just because you moved to another country.
Jake Heke
Roar Rookie
Interesting because your Linkedin says you offer "Editing/proofreading — line, copy, developmental, etc. The finished article is free of errors and worthy to hold up as your proud symbol of accomplishment"
Jake Heke
Roar Rookie
Are you sure it's not you thats bitter? Must have been tough watching your journalism career come to an end when you were made redundant. And for the record I have been published. Something you would know if you did some fact checking. Ironically, something you would expect a former journalist to be capable of.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
So does that mean that NZ coaches and players will stop pretending that they are the ones who are keeping the game alive and that without them the game would die. NZ coaches are more than happy to talk about how they are rugby and how they love the PIs but only when it suits I see.
Brendan NH Fan
Roar Rookie
I blame the Media who are selling the lie that a direct contact hit to the head should only be a yellow or if not a yellow then a hit to the head after wrapping the players should and hitting the bottom of a players hear being tackled with the top of yours. I don't think an fan who had two eyes was surprised of the outcomes and most commentators not from NZ called it as such when the it happened. in the Quarters plenty were happy to gloss over the RM hit on Aki that was not reviewed but cry foul at the EE one that was less of an issue. They were happy when France and England were knocked out to questionable decisions and gleefully highlighted that they should of played better. Same fans now want to know why Barnes have apologized didn't reverse the penalty when he reaffirmed he didn't see it the same way. Happy to win the penalties against an Irish pack who were going forward but cry over not getting a penalty from an early engagement. Media needs to explain to these fans why things happened as they did or we will continue to see the rubbish after the Twickers defeat when people said it was only because of the cards so it didn't count. France is glad to hear that Barnes didn't cheat in 2007 he just let the game flow and also that they won in 2011, it will help them deal with this year's loss.
Fruitpicker
Roar Rookie
At last someone who has written several articles. So Paulo, how would you describe RESPECT and Aretha Franklin one? Good waxing of lyrics but you eventually got to your point ... I think. Satire? If you're trying to say sports isn't politics, then revisit, mate. It is. Rugby union is up there with George Orwell's Animal Farm. Since you are Roar rookie, care to point out which aspects of the post tickle your fancy? There's room for satire in all codes everytime. That's why players sing anthems and their political leaders come to watch. Here's a tip. Do some research on the composition on the World Ruby executive board. See if you can write an article on that. Great satire. Here's another. As an aspiring writer, be sure to differentiate between impartiality and patriotism. Successful writers engage in compelling copy. That doesn't mean how many likes they receive. It's okay to receive feedback that isn't agreeable. That also doesn't mean clickbait. All the best!