Against Wales the Springboks were awarded a try after Fourie du Preez kicked the ball forward along the touchline with Jaque Fourie clearly ahead of the ball, but neither the referee nor the touch judge called them back, or asked for the TMO to review it. In this instance the touch judge was in a much better position and he should have made a call regarding this incident.
What is so ironic is the fact that a try like this, which is clearly not a legitimate try is awarded, but then you look closely at the two "tries" the Boks scored Saturday night against France and both are disallowed. What is wrong with these officials? I do agree that possible "try" number one where Steyn touched a high pass and Jean de Villiers scooped it up to send Jaque Fourie over the goal-line, was a 50/50 call and probably could have gone either way.
However, the Francois Louw "try" in the corner after a perfectly judged Willie le Roux grubber and a mistake by a French player was certainly the wrong call by the TMO. There is NO way that the French player placed any sort of controlled hand on the ball, or put any downward pressure on the ball, as is required according to the rugby laws. (Law 22.1 - Grounding the Ball)
And these are only a few of the dubious calls our rugby officials make every Saturday!
With all the technology at their fingertips, they still get it wrong, and then they view about 10 replays at times, all from different angles as well! How is the IRB going to address these issues, because it is causing huge frustration to fans, coaches, and not to mention the players?
What is your suggestions? Or are we, the fans who pay good money to support our teams all year long, going to do or say nothing?
