World Rugby: Not awarding All Blacks try in Final was a mistake

While there has been no public acknowledgement which really comes as no surprise with World Rugby often reluctant to openly admit their mistakes, there has apparently been a concession made by rugby’s governing body that the Aaron Smith try should have stood instead of eventually being disallowed despite 4 phases having passed by then.  Generally, the TMO can only call something out if it happens within 2 phases.  World Rugby will never acknowledge their error, another reason why rugby is not growing as well as it should. On the subject of World Rugby and refereeing let’s talk about Fiji.

Rugby Union – Rugby World Cup 2023 – Pool C – Wales v Fiji – Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux, France – September 10, 2023 Wales’ Jac Morgan in action with Fiji’s Viliame Mata REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

Now, while we understand that the All Blacks and their supporters might be angered by this could we also point out yet again the inconsistencies in how World Rugby treats countries like Fiji compared to how they treat so called bigger rugby nations. Ultimately, unless World Rugby can be transparent it is hard to respect the laws of the governing body.