Part 2 of Springboks vs All Blacks referee analysis at Eden Park dives into the controversial second-half officiating, where Du’Plessis Kirifi, Scott Barrett, and Kwagga Smith were all at the centre of game-changing moments.
The biggest talking point was Du’Plessis Kirifi striking Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu across the face after Cobus Reinach’s try. By law, this should have been a red card and a penalty restart from halfway — yet the referee and assistants gave nothing. At best it could be called a “push,” but even that is still reckless contact to the head and a red-card offence.
Meanwhile, Scott Barrett repeatedly committed cynical infringements near his own tryline — tackling Ox Nche off his feet on his knees, and illegally attempting to play the ball on the ground. Despite multiple offences, New Zealand were never penalised or warned.
Earlier, Kwagga Smith was yellow-carded for what looked cynical in real time. But slow-motion replays show it was actually a smart piece of play, timing his contest perfectly once the ball was out. In contrast, the All Blacks’ cynical play was ignored by the officials.
This video shows how the referee’s inconsistency and missed red card on Kirifi created huge controversy and left South Africa on the wrong end of double standards at Eden Park.
Timestamps:
00:00 - 4. Kwagga Smith Yellow Card
00:54 - 5. Cynical Play by All Blacks
02:40 - Kirifi Slaps Sacha
05:24 - 6. Inconsistent Officiating
06:01 - 7. All Blacks Offside At Rucks
07:02 - Sponsor Video
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