ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Saturday Sep 14, 2013

Bismarck Du Plessis controversially yellow carded for huge hit on Dan Carter

The All Blacks beat the Springboks 29-15 in Auckland earlier after the visitors had one of their key players, Bismarck Du Plessis, sent off following a second yellow card. The first however, is what infuriated the majority of rugby fans around the globe.

Du Plessis, who had already shown his value with at least two breakdown turnovers and some strong carries, flew into flyhalf Dan Carter, smashing him to the ground in a massive tackle.

A fight broke out after Ma’ Nonu and Willem Alberts got in a bit of a tussle, then the rest of both packs joined in while Carter was crouched over with an apparent AC Joint shoulder injury.

Referee Romain Poite asked TMO George Ayoub to check for foul play, to which Ayoub responded (after having a look) that there was no foul play.

Poite then yellow carded Du Plessis, saying that it was a high tackle. Respected members of the rugby fraternity, and players both past and present, took to twitter to share their surprise and dismay at a decision that had the potential to alter the outcome of a classic content.

In the studio at halftime, former All Black captain Sean Fitpatrick said “The worst performance of the day was from the referee. He got that one wrong”.

Justin Marshall, co-commentator on the day for Sky NZ, was outspoken in his view of it. “That’s rubbish. It’s just a big tackle,” he said when seeing the replays. “Get real. Come on… Absolutely okay and to say no arms is ridiculous”.

Du Plessis came back on and scored a try, but early in the second half he led with his elbow as Liam Messam went in for an upright tackle, and it was deemed to be dangerous, resulting in his second yellow card and of course, a red card sending off.

Adriaan Strauss was brought on as a hooker replacement so Alberts had to be sacrificed. The Springboks couldn’t cope a man down, and despite Kieran Read and Ma’a Nonu also being yellow carded in the last seven minutes, the home side chalked up yet another win at Eden Park.

Springbok captain Jean De Villiers chose not to directly discuss the officials’ decisions. “It was as hard as always when you play the All Blacks, but I guess the fact that we played with 14 men for 50 minutes did not make it any easier for us,” De Villiers said.

UPDATE: The IRB have acknowledged that the decision by Poite to yellow card Du Plessis for the tackle on Carter was incorrect. Consequently, a SANZAR hearing has ruled that the red card be struck from the record as the decision was wrong and the tackle was within the laws of the game.

The Du Plessis tackle is below, then the yellow card for the leading elbow is on page two.
EXTRA: See what former Italy and Springbok coach Nick Mallett had to say about the decision here

Updated video of the Bismarck Du Plessis elbow that caught Liam Messam in the clavicle/throat, and led to a second yellow card, which of course resulted in a red card sending off for Du Plessis.

Former Italy and Springbok coach Nick Mallett shares his thoughts on Romain Poite’s decision to yellow card Bismarck Du Plessis for the tackle on Dan Carter. Mallett argues that Poite had technology, as well as his touch judges, at his disposal so should have made use of them.

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments




Related Articles

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    New Zealand Rugby Brawl

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    Must see all in brawl

  • 73 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking head shot in Ireland game sparks...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 HOUR AGO

    Exclusive Intervew: From Bristol to Benetton - The Andy Uren story

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Transfer News: George North to take considerable talents to France

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Tom Foley takes break from officiating international matches following death threats

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

View All