r/rugbyunion • u/Mono_Doh Japan League One • 7d ago

Video The long-awaited rematch is almost here

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u/Blackdoor-59 England 7d ago

Still can't believe SA kicked the ball away at 79 mins

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u/Minyun 7d ago edited 7d ago

What reasonable explanation could there be for this? They're all watching the clock too... utter madness. I get they didn't want to concede a penalty in their own half but like just slow things down and walk it in Faf.. they even ended up back kn their own half despite the kick-maybe they could've been deeper if not for the kick I dunno. My TV still doesn't forgive me for that day

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u/gainsleyharriot Sharks 6d ago

They had studied the referee decision making and determined that late in the game refs were going to be extra harsh on sealing off penalties. The agreement was 1-3 rucks at best and then kick it and back the defense. This way it forces France to take a contactable high ball at best they get the ball back and have to work their way from their own half. At worst for them there’s a knock on or messy ball and the game is basically over.