Damian Willemse springboks injuries
BORDEAUX, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 17: Damian Willemse of South Africa scores his team's fourth try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between South Africa and Romania at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on September 17, 2023 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Home » 2023 RWC flashback: Damian Willemse calls a scrum off a mark

2023 RWC flashback: Damian Willemse calls a scrum off a mark

Of all the decisions made at Rugby World Cup 2023, none was as bold as Damian Willemse’s choice to call a scrum off a mark against France.

10-05-24 14:14
Damian Willemse springboks injuries
BORDEAUX, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 17: Damian Willemse of South Africa scores his team's fourth try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between South Africa and Romania at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on September 17, 2023 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Of all the decisions made at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, none was as bold as Damian Willemse’s choice to call a scrum off a mark in the quarter-final against hosts France.

The call was so bold that it was actually the first time that it happened at a World Cup!

Added to that, it came in one of the most high-pressure matches of the tournament.

Willemse’s decision worked a treat as the Springboks won a penalty from the scrum and were able to clear their lines.

The Springboks went on to win the match 29-28.

The Springboks would then beat England in the semi-finals 16-15 and New Zealand in the final 12-11 to win a record fourth World Cup title.

WATCH DAMIAN WILLEMSE’S BOLD DECISION

Fast forward six months and World Rugby has BANNED the ability of players to call for a scrum from a mark.

World Rugby claimed in a statement that the change – which was one of three made by the governing body – was brought about to increase the “sport’s entertainment factor to attract new audiences and grow the sport”.

You buying that?

The new law changes will come into effect on 1 July.

In the meanwhile, sit back, relax and enjoy the memory of Damian Willemse’s bold decision …