Hurricanes fans furious with alleged referee blunder in semi-final loss

The Hurricanes suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the Crusaders in a thrilling Super Rugby semi-final that was made even worse with a controversial call during the dying stages of the game, according to The New Zealand Herald.

With less than two minutes remaining on the clock, the Hurricanes were in a position to launch an attack in the opposition 22, but referee Nic Berry called a knock on against TJ Perenara to put an end to their hopes as the Crusaders took the match 30-26.

What made matters worse for Hurricanes fans was that it appeared Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock had reached over at the breakdown and swiped the ball from Perenara’s grasp.

It was a result-settling intervention, as the referee ruled in the Crusaders’ favour, allowing the home side clinch the win that will see them host Argentine side Jaguares in the final next Saturday.

The outcome left Hurricanes fans taking to social media to express their frustrations at their team getting “robbed” of an upset win. Here is what was said:

80’ The referee misses Sam Whitelock playing the ball at the ruck and the Crusaders make another final. Congratulations @Hurricanesrugby #CRUvHUR

— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) June 29, 2019

https://twitter.com/wee_bam85/status/1144904030151421952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1144904030151421952&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nzherald.co.nz%2Fsport%2Fnews%2Farticle.cfm%3Fc_id%3D4%26objectid%3D12245157

Sky still haven’t showed one replay of the most controversial moment in the game. Great game but rubbish coverage from Sky as usual. Whitelock knocked that on, not TJ #CRUvHUR

— The Rugby Oracle (@RuggaOracle) June 29, 2019

Before anyone asks I thought Nic Berry had a very decent game. But I'm sure he'll be somewhat disappointed with that last decision #CRUvHUR

— Scott (@MadMaclegend) June 29, 2019

Hurricanes robbed of an opportunity to win the game at the death, Crusaders gifted the chance to put the game to bed. Ending our season on a referee error is a tough pill to swallow.

Oh well, fuck the Crusaders (and their name), Vamos Jaguares! #CRUvHUR

— Jordan Patu (@Jordan_Patu) June 29, 2019

Desp1ite the controversial finish, fans were treated to one of the best games of the Super Rugby season – with the Hurricanes putting up a strong challenge right until the final whistle. In the end, the Crusaders showed how difficult it is to beat them at home.

The hosts broke out to a fast start, going up by three points in as many minutes before a brilliant cross-kick from Ryan Crotty found winger Sevu Reece in the corner for the opening try of the match in the 13th minute.

56 points, seven tries and a heart breaking finish. Relive all the highlights thanks to @skysportnz https://t.co/OUOqncF1iu

— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) June 29, 2019

The Crusaders outran Hurricanes by 100 metres in the first half, with the Hurricanes making far more tackles. However, the Crusaders kept the door open – with 12 turnovers conceded in the first half.

It was a different story in the second half as the game opened up and both sides played fluid, attacking football. Ultimately, though, the Crusaders hung on and booked their place in the final thanks to Whitelock’s key moment.

WATCH: Knocked, episode one on the RugbyPass series Beyond 80 which focuses on the issue of concussion