Monday, October 22, 2007

What's worse than losing a RWC Quarter-Final?

Losing the Final :-)

The English media provide some interesting perspectives on the RWC Final, but I'm glad The Times has reported support given to Australian video referee Stuart Dickinson by the IRB international referees manager.

From timesonline.co.uk:

The international refereeing chief said last night that the television match official had made an “absolutely brilliant decision” in disallowing England wing Mark Cueto’s second-half “try” in the World Cup final.

Stuart Dickinson, the Australian television match official, consulted replays for about three minutes before ruling that the touchdown by Cueto at the start of the second half should not stand because he had put a foot in touch. South Africa were leading 9-3 at the time.

Paddy O’Brien, the referees manager for the International Rugby Board, said: “It was an absolutely brilliant decision by the television match official, and there is a great photo of his [Cueto’s] foot just on the line prior to grounding the ball. There is no issue, there is no doubt. People may criticise officials for taking time, but it is better that it is correct.”

Cueto reckons he scored it and is quoted as saying he will declare it to all and sundry a legitimate try. You do that Mark! The English fans are crying foul and I have to say I love it :-D. To all those English fans who carried on about the All Blacks' supporters after the French try-creating forward pass can suck it up, just like the Kiwis had to :-D

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