French referee Jerome Garces has put himself back in the good books of New Zealand and their fans when he sent off South Africa's Damian de Allende in their 25-24 victory in Cape Town this afternoon.
Garces became a villain in New Zealand when he infamously sent off Sonny Bill Williams last summer for a shoulder barge on England's Anthony Watson in the second test match between the All Blacks and the Lions.
The All Blacks are above the law and rules to many of the rugby public outside of New Zealand with many decisions falling in their favour, and the conspiracy theory will raise its head again after this latest incident in the final match of the Rugby Championship.
Substitute fly-half Lima Sopoaga attempted a drop at goal to put the All Blacks eight points clear with four minutes remaining, he subsequently missed his attempt after pressure from Springbok substitute de Allende. Sopoaga went crashing to the floor prompting Garces to refer the incident to the television match official.
Watch the red card below:
