ENGLAND will be hoping they’re not on the wrong end of any incorrect decisions when they face South Africa in the Rugby World Cup semi-final tomorrow.
The referee for the highly anticipated clash is Ben O’Keeffe who took charge of the quarter-final between South Africa and France last week.
AFPReferee Ben O’Keeffe reportedly made five errors during the France vs South Africa quarter-final[/caption]
APCheslin Kolbe’s stunning charge down is said to have been ‘illegal’[/caption]
And a report has emerged that the New Zealand born official got multiple decisions wrong during the match last Sunday.
According to Midi Olympique, World Rugby have concluded that O’Keeffe and his team were unable to get FIVE decisions correct during South Africa’s 29-28 triumph over the competition’s hosts.
Most notably the report suggests that Cheslin Kolbe’s incredible charge down was in fact “illegal”.
The Springboks star managed to block Thomas Ramos’ conversion attempt when the the scores were tied up at 12-12.
The staggering moment prevented France from sticking another two points on the board and had a HUGE impact on the outcome of the game.
If Ramos had managed to convert his kick then The Blues would have prevailed and secured their place in the semi-finals.
World Rugby reportedly identified a further four errors by O’Keeffe and his assistants including a missed penalty for France following Kwagga Smith’s turnover and a supposed yellow card offence after Pieter-Steph Du Toit’s dangerous clean-out.
But the decisions didn’t just fall in favour of the Springboks, with France getting away with two incidents themselves.
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World rugby reportedly feel that Pieter-Steph Du Toit should have been given a yellow cardSportsfile
GettyDamian Penaud was also deemed to be lucky to not be sent to the sin bin[/caption]
World Rugby are understood to have felt that Damian Penaud should’ve seen yellow in the ninth minute and that Cameron Woki was fortunate to escape punishment for blocking Faf de Klerk’s pass whilst offside.
Steve Borthwick and England will be hoping there is a more thorough standard of refereeing from O’Keeffe and Co tomorrow night as they seek revenge against South Africa.
The South African’s broke England hearts four years ago in Japan when they wound up 32-12 victors in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
GettyEngland are preparing for their semi-final battle with South Africa tomorrow[/caption]
GettyBen O’Keeffe is going to be in charge of the highly anticipated affair[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
