RUGBY WORLD CUP organisers say the match officials who disallowed a James Hook penalty in Wales’ 17-16 defeat by South Africa yesterday morning got it right.
Hook and his Welsh colleagues seemed certain the ball curled inside the post against the world champions but officials kept their flags down – and the ref failed to ‘go upstairs’ to the TMO.
Tournament organisers later stated in a press release: “Correct protocol was followed. The IRB will not be making further comment.”
For his part, Hook was certain it was good. “I thought it had gone over which is why I ran back,” he said,
“I complained when it wasn’t given but maybe in hindsight I should have asked him to check with the TV official.”
Wales head coach Warren Gatland added: “It was interesting in the tunnel at half-time because I was talking to the coaches about the kick and Frans Steyn walked past and said he thought it had gone over.”
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The IRB’s full statement reads: “Rugby World Cup Limited has clarified the status of the television match official protocol following the Pool D match between South Africa and Wales.
“Under protocol, the referee may consult the assistant referees or the television match official if he is unsure as to whether a penalty kick, drop-goal or conversion has been successful.
“During the match in question, the match official team felt at the time that there was no need to consult the TMO following a Wales penalty kick, as they were confident that the kick was not successful.”
Gatland’s side ultimately lost out by a single point to the Boks after an impressive first outing.
Ireland could well face the winner of the group in the quarter-finals.
