Springboks: Officials make SHOCKING decision against Boks!
The Springboks were dealt a harsh decision, at best with officials opting to upgrade Andre Esterhuizens card to RED.
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The Springboks saw yellow (which turned red) after a rather dubious decision was made by officials.
The Springboks ran out comprehensive 64-21 winners over Portugal in a historic first test match between the two nations in Bloemfontein.
However, it was the shocking controversial red card shown to Andre Esterhuizen that left us scratching his heads. In fact, not only us but Springbok legend Victor Matfield as well. The Springboks legend felt that even a yellow card was harsh. Ironically, it was upgraded to a red card – rather harshly.
SPRINGBOKS SHOWN HARSH RED CARD
Springboks centre Andre Esterhuizen made a big hit that has resulted in even bigger punishment.
Initially, Esterhuizen’s big hit seemed fully legal. However, he was surprisingly shown a yellow card for his monster tackle in the 2nd minute. To make matters worse, the TMO bunker upgraded it to a red card.
Now, let’s be clear. In order for a player to be red carded there must be head on head with no mitagation. Meanwhile, Esterhuizen had more mitigation than the officials had sense, it seemed. Meanwhile, the Springboks will hope Esterhuizen is not suspended after Damien de Allende left the Boks training camp for personal reasons. Meanwhile, TEN Springboks are sidelines going into the Rugby Championship. Therefore, Rassie Erasnus and SA Rugby will not want any more issues. Especially, with Jasper Wiese also suspended.
MULTIPLE MITIGATING FACTORS FOR ESTERHUIZEN
Firstle, initial contact was below the shoulders. Secondly, he is bent at the hips and the impact is also below the shoulders. Ultimately, if anything, at worst there was subtle head on head contact as a result of whiplash and sheer impact.
However, as Springbok legend Matfield rightly said, even a yellow card was harsh. A red however, is a shocker. This reminds us of the time that Bismarck Du Pleases was red carded for a clean hit on All Blacks and New Zealand legend Daniel Carter. Thankfully, for South Africa it did not prove costly as they ran in ten tries on route to a convincing and historic 64-21 win over Portugal in Bloemfontein.
DO YOU BELIEVE SPRINGBOKS CENTRE ANDRE ESTERHUIZEN DESERVED A RED CARD?
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