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Referee Nigel Owens stormed on Twitter as fans demand answers after 'illegal' try awarded

Benetton has come away with a thrilling 27-all draw against European powerhouse Leinster at the RDS in Dublin, with a last-gasp try to keep their Pro14 playoff hopes alive.

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After a miraculous 25-phases, Ratuva Tavuyara scored in the tackle of James Lowe to give Tommasso Allen the chance to snatch a draw with the conversion.

The last-ditch try wasn’t without controversy with off-the-ball obstruction on James Lowe allowing the try to be scored. When referred to the TMO, the try was upheld.

https://twitter.com/ter_ltd/status/1114629939926581248

Referee Nigel Owens has received the brunt of the criticism on social media, not just for his role in the final try but for his 80-minute performance, with many decisions leaving fans confused. One fan has claimed the referee has blocked him on Twitter for questioning the decision to allow the try that ended the match in a draw.

Leinster’s Fergus McFadden was fortunate that an ‘unlucky’ clearout, in referee Nigel Owens’ words, did not result in a penalty reversal and a yellow card. Owens instead ‘reversed the reversal’.

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Aside from the controversial refereeing decisions, many Leinster fans were quick to congratulate the Italian side for a well-deserved result which moves them into third place in the conference, two points behind Ulster in second-place. Leinster are already assured of a home semi-final.

Concussion is threatening an end to Dave Denton’s career:

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TI 23 minutes ago
All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Rieko took literally years to turn from a defensive liability at 13 into a guy, who’s defensively sound as it befits the position. And it all came at the cost of him being much less of an offensive threat, than what he used to be. Proctor is a natural 13, he handles, passes, and kicks way better than Rieko ever will, he just isn’t as fast.


It’s unfair to judge Tupaea on the handful of games he’s had in 2022 before he got nearly crippled by a Wallaby lock. What could Tupaea/Proctor pairing be, if they got the same amount of chances as Jordie/Rieko?


Because no matter how you spin it, playing a player outside of his natural position is a poor asset management. No matter how talented he is, he still competes against players who had years and years of practice at the position. And if said guy is so talented that he actually CAN compete against specialists, imagine how much better still he could have been, if he had all those years to iron the toothing issues at the position. It just drives me mad.


Two things I hate in rugby union beyond description: aping after league, and playing players outside of their natural position. Especially considering, that they all admit they hate it, when they’re allowed to speak freely. Owen Farrell spent 80% of his international career at 12, saying every time when asked, that he is a 10 and prefers to play at 10. Those players are literally held at a gunpoint: play out of position, or no national jersey for you.

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Hellhound 1 hour ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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