Owens Backs Springboks Yellow Cards Against All Blacks

Former Test referee Nigel Owens has affirmed that the two yellow cards issued to the Springboks in their recent 33-16 defeat to the All Blacks were justified, labeling the infractions as “cynical.” The sin-binning of replacements Marco van Staden and Cobus Reinach in quick succession significantly hampered South Africa’s comeback efforts, according to Owens as reported by Planet Rugby.

The incidents occurred with the Springboks trailing 26-16 in the opening match of the four-Test “Greatest Rivalry” series, a scoreline that ultimately favored New Zealand 33-16. Van Staden was sent to the sidelines for ten minutes after tackling scrum-half Cam Roigard from an offside position, while Reinach received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.

Van Staden's Offside Tackle Analysis

Owens elaborated on Van Staden’s yellow card, clarifying the nuances of the offside rule pertaining to scrum-halves. He explained on World Rugby’s Whistle Watch that once a scrum-half has hands on the ball on the ground, even if it hasn’t been lifted, any player who is offside cannot tackle them. This rule is designed to protect the scrum-half Owens detailed the complex ruck call and prevent cynical play.

While the ball being off the ground would typically allow an onside player to tackle the scrum-half, Van Staden’s position was critical. Owens noted that Van Staden was not behind the hindmost foot of his own team, rendering him offside. Therefore, despite the ball being off the ground, he was not permitted to make the tackle.

The former Test referee emphasized that had Van Staden been behind and onside when the scrum-half lifted the ball, the play would have continued. However, given his offside position and the fact that the All Blacks were in a strong attacking position, the officials deemed his action cynical, leading to a correct yellow card according to Planet Rugby’s report.

Reinach's Deliberate Knock-On Justified

Following Van Staden’s sin-binning, and after an official review cleared an Ardie Savea tackle on Jasper Wiese of being high, the All Blacks opted for a scrum. From the ensuing play, Reinach received his yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, desperately attempting to prevent New Zealand’s fifth try.

Owens indicated that Reinach's actions could have warranted a penalty for multiple offenses. He pointed out that the scrum-half appeared to be in front of the tunnel, which would have made him offside regardless. Critically, Reinach’s “no attempt to gather that ball” and simply sticking his hand out constituted a deliberate knock-on Planet Rugby highlighted Owens's analysis.

The dual yellow cards proved decisive. With the Springboks down to 13 men, the All Blacks capitalized, with Will Jordan scoring his second try to seal their 33-16 victory. Owens concluded that these incidents made it significantly easier for New Zealand to secure the win, influencing the outcome of this early “Greatest Rivalry” encounter. For more in-depth world rugby coverage, fans can follow upcoming analyses.