Neutral ref could have averted Super 14 row

Rugby administrators must learn important lessons after the unsavoury scenes that played out after a bad-tempered EC Super 14 final in Mdantsane recently. What was meant to be the highlight of the EC club rugby season turned into an ugly slanging match between Kruisfontein United and tournament officials.

Kruisfontein claimed they were the victims of disgracefully biased refereeing when they lost 16-10 to EL Police at the Sisa Dukashe stadium.

There is an old rugby adage that it is perhaps acceptable to voice your unhappiness about a referee if you are on the winning side. However, if you are on the losing side, it looks like sour grapes no matter how valid your protestations are.

The lesson to be learnt is that for major games a neutral referee must be brought in even if it incurs additional travelling costs.

By appointing Border-based referee Lulutho Matomela, there was always the possibility of the away team claiming they had been the victims of a hometown decision.

It had been expected the clash, a repeat of the 2023 final in Humansdorp which Police won, would produce an exciting spectacle of attacking rugby. Instead, the final became a stop-start affair which never lived up to the hype with decisions made by Matomela coming under intense scrutiny.

Incensed Kruisfontein coach Frank Domingo said it became apparent during the final that there was one set of rules for Police and another for Kruisfontein at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium. Domingo said the officiating had been disgraceful and had brought the game of rugby into disrepute.

Super 14 tournament director Sindile Mayende said Kruisfontein’s allegations they had been robbed and the referee had been biased were untrue.

He said Matomela was the best man for the day and said he had officiated very well but with some mistakes.

Kruisfontein felt so aggrieved they refused to take part in the medal handover despite Super 14 official Akhona Mgijima calling them to join the presentation party.

The upshot of the disturbing scenes after the final is that Kruisfontein have decided they will not play in the tournament again.

A neutral referee could have averted a row which spoilt an otherwise successful tournament.