Rassie is right on Wayne Barnes’ reffing

I TOTALLY agree with Rassie Erasmus’ review of the game against France. Wayne Barnes, even if he is supposed to be the world’s No 1 referee, had an absolute shocker, that got worse as the game progressed. The last 20 minutes was absolutely ridiculous.

The offsides by French players in the rucks and mauls, and in the lineouts. In one SA line-out, Franco Mostert going for the ball, got kicked in the face and then a knee to the head. This was ignored. The blatant elbow into Cheslin Kolbe’s throat was a foul but, once again, overlooked. When the French No 12 was injured, Barnes did not stop the game. What about player safety? He missed French hands in the ruck even when Faf de Klerk was gesticulating for a penalty.

Deon Fourie’s yellow card was nonsense as there was obstruction by a French player in the line-out before the scrum collapsed. One hopes Barnes will face the consequences of a very bad day at the office. He really “choked”. World rugby must get its house in order with regard to referees.

Rassie Erasmus was quite correct in his evaluation of the refereeing, and has done rugby a massive favour by highlighting the glaring inconsistencies and the ignoring of blatant errors.

JOHN WHITLOCK | Germiston