Or, there were valuable turnovers. The importance of no high tackles, and no cards, cannot be overstated — particularly as it was achieved when the stakes were in the stratosphere.
The teams, the coaches and the referee deserve immense credit. Others must note, learn and follow. Nigel Owens brought all his vast experience into this match and it was needed.
He was prepared to let the players play: the first penalty came in the ninth minute, and the first scrum in the 19th. He facilitated a wonderful game, and it was never about him. The players knew it would be, and it stopped. It brooked no argument, and none came. The TMO intervened twice when England had touched down; both times the try was disallowed. The first, in minute 25, was for a dummy runner who was not in a position to take the pass.
It could be argued that the defender, Sam Whitlock , was committed to tackling the runner. But, on balance, it was the right call. Next, in the 43rd minute, the ball seemed to be dropped in the maul by England and a forensic review followed, enabled only by the sophistication of the Hawkeye system which had over 30 cameras covering the match. But, did the ball actually go forward? It was a tricky call in a two-dimensional replay.
There must now be serious discussion as to whether this level of forensics is appropriate. Just because something is possible does not make it a good idea.
For well into the second half we had a totally turgid affair. No-risk rugby, endless kicking and seemingly no ambition to win. This motivated Wales to lift their game, and they responded with a try of their own, having gone through 20 pick and drive phases. Taking a brave penalty option of a scrum, they got the ball away under pressure, but their number eight appeared to have switched position.
The try stood, scored in the corner, and was brilliantly converted, bringing it to South Africa were not as dominant as it seemed, as they bought a couple of penalties by illegally whipping the scrum around on their own put-in. Wales protected their own lineout ball, particularly in the first half, by throwing straight down their own side. Rugby World Cup: Memorable moments from Japan. Meet the Rugby World Cup's body-painting superfan.
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No, not French lock Sebastien Vahaamahina, who slammed his elbow into the face of Wales' Aaron Wainwright in a dramatic quarterfinal clash, but the man who sent him off the park. Date, kick-off time, TV schedule and who England can play. Ken Owens was the first to be sent for a ten-minute breather following a dangerous tackle. A short time later Fiji lock Tevita Cavubati was carded for a shoulder into the back of Ross Moriarty. In the second half Garces showed Semi Kunatani a yellow for an offside, while James Davies was later handed a card for a rucking offence.
Jerome Garces has received some criticism from Welsh quarters, natural given the closeness and importance of the fixture. In particular the Frenchman was criticised for his management of the breakdown with some claiming that the decisive penalty issued to South Africa was soft.
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