Former All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed that New Zealand Rugby have lodged an official complaint to World Rugby over certain refereeing decisions in their World Cup final loss to South Africa.
“We’ve already sent a file into World Rugby to get them to make a few comments on," Foster said, and when asked which decisions they wanted reviewed, he replied with, "Oh I think you can guess".
New Zealand Want Answers Over Rugby World Cup Final Decisions
If one were to guess, an early penalty decision - which in fairness referee Wayne Barnes did get wrong - that went against Ardie Savea will be looked at, as well as the decision to only show yellow to Siya Kolisi, after Sam Cane had seen red for a similar head contact incident.
However, in Savea's case, those ruck penalties are near impossible to call correctly each time, and with the Kolisi incident there was mitigation, in that most of the contact was to the chest.
Overall, Wayne Barnes and his team did an excellent job, and were rightfully applauded for their performance, with Barnes finishing his refereeing career on a high.
READ HERE: The Harsh New Zealand Media Reaction To Their World Cup Final Loss
Another New Zealand back rower goes to the bin, with Sam Cane guilty of a high tackle. And another nervy wait to see if this one is upgraded to red #NZLvRSA #RWC2023
📺 Watch - https://t.co/eVcUOPI6MD
📱Live updates - https://t.co/qlRMHDYcXy pic.twitter.com/nUoBB1zqlH— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) October 28, 2023
"Sorry mate, I thought he stayed on him. I didn't see him come off enough."
Wayne Barnes admits his mistake. How costly could that be to the All Blacks? 🤔#NZLvRSA | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/YG7RUtIhbz
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 28, 2023
Foster also spoke on the situation with new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, who was announced to be taking over months in advance.
Foster, understandably, criticised the New Zealand Rugby's handling of the situation, and for not backing him to the fullest.
"I wouldn't say there was a lack of trust, I just think when you think you've got a plan B in your pocket, sometimes you don't back plan A probably as much as you could.
“I had a couple of options before the World Cup that I basically said, ‘if you want to talk to me, you have to wait till after the World Cup’,” Foster added.
“Because I don’t want this team or, in fact, this country, thinking that I was busy trying to sort myself out before the biggest event.”
SEE ALSO: South Africa Legend Throws Cheeky Dig At Crucial All Blacks Decision In Final
