IRB Admits Poite was Incorrect to Yellow Card Bismarck

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has issued a statement admitting that referee Romain Poite DID make a mistake when he showed Bismarck du Plessis a yellow card during yesterday’s rugby match between the All Blacks and the Springboks.

The incident occurred when the South African hooker tackled the All Blacks flyhalf in the 17th minute of the match. Poite’s decision to issue a yellow card caused outrage amongst South Africans – and was supported by most Kiwis who recognised that the tackle was legal.

Within 24 hours over 40,000 South Africans became followers of a petition page on Facebook set up to stop Poite ever being able to referee another rugby match.

IRB Statement:

“Following an initial review, the IRB confirms that it was incorrect for referee Romain Poite to issue a yellow card to Bismarck du Plessis in the 17th minute of The Rugby Championship match between New Zealand and South Africa in Auckland on Saturday.

“Just as players and coaches make mistakes, the decision was an unfortunate case of human error by the match officials, who, having reviewed the match, fully recognise and accept that they made a mistake in the application of law.

“All match official performances are thoroughly reviewed and assessed by the IRB and are considered when appointments are made for future test matches.”

Commenting on the IRB’s statement, the RomainPoitePetition page had this to say:

“Its about as impressive as a low pressured, virtually silent fart…lame…a bit of a half job that will leave you thinking, “ok, and then?”… but it is an acknowledgment no less, so we eagerly await part 2…”