Mikem

As a passionate England fan who has just returned from following my team in NZ, it is not often that I would take the side of the Welsh, but as a rugby fan I feel that their team, their loyal fans, and the rugby world cup has been cheated out of a meaningful World Cup final. *It is clear to anyone, expert or otherwise, that Sam Warburton, the Welsh captain and one of their best players, should not have been sent off yesterday in the 18th minute and the great sadness is that the technology is in place for referees to consult and check their decisions before the player walks. *To ignore this technology in a world cup semi-final is completely ridiculous and smacks of arrogance with the referee relishing his centre stage role to the point where he has put himself above the occasion and the overall competition.

Not only has he deprived the Welsh but he has also deprived the All Blacks of the opportunity to play the most worthy opponent and therefore will always leave a question mark over the eventual champion's claim of being the best team at the tournament.

The fact that they came within a point of victory with 14 men speaks volumes for their skill and passion - well done Wales!

Tando

That is very true, I must say that the standard of refereeing overall was poor in this world cup... however I suppose it is part of the game! Congrats to the Welsh, they played a cracker of a tournament

kiweed

reffing was poor all season well before the cup started. It's a combination of bizarre rules and clueless officials. Even the rule book is a contradiction of itself. Until they get real sportsmen running the whistles, some brains to go over the rulebook, a proper thinktank to redo the ruck, and refs stop giving an inch so we lose this huge grey area....the game will continue to suffer.

presently....officiating is making the game a joke. Rugby deserves more.

bobowales

Interesting that this issue is still rumbling!