New Zealand demanded clarification regarding the arbitration of the final match against South Africa

Back in New Zealand, the All Blacks coach confirmed on Thursday that the All Blacks are heading towards the World Rugby Championship. Ian Foster revealed that his federation requested clarification regarding refereeing during the 2023 World Cup final, which it lost to South Africa (11-12).

The Springboks, world champions for the fourth time, have written rugby history and will be able to brag about it for at least eight years. But the victory in Saturday's World Cup final against New Zealand (12-11) at the Stade de France, if not necessarily remembered for the spectacle, got people talking about the deception of Wayne Barnes and his assistants. If the All Blacks initially made good players by refusing to criticize the English referee too much, their union has asked World Rugby for explanations of the news confirmed by Ian Foster after his return home.

“We have sent a certain number of items, we have already sent a file to World Rugby so they can give some feedback,” the rugby coach explained on Thursday in comments addressed by the agency. Reuters. “I hope they do.”

Decisions that benefited the Boks

After confirming this approach, Ian Foster refused to specify which refereeing decisions were within the reach of the All Blacks. “I think you can guess,” the technician just said.

During this final, which was narrowly won by South Africa and at the end of the suspense by South Africa, several decisions made by the recently retired Wayne Barnes sparked reactions. A noticeable difference in treatment for similar cases.

It is logical that the captain of the New Zealand national team, Sam Kane, received a yellow card, which turned into red via the “dugout” video, after direct contact from the shoulder to the head of the opponent in a high tackle at the end of the first half.

After being warned for a similar gesture on his return from the dressing room, South Africa's Siya Kolisi benefited from a little more leniency and managed to finish off the final… and then lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time in a row. Success like the half against England and especially the quarter against France will leave a bitter taste because of the officiating.