'So many things went on': France not happy with a number of incidents

France have indicated that they were less than pleased with a number of refereeing calls made in their 29-28, Rugby World Cup-ending loss to South Africa at the Stade de France.

There were a number of calls by referee Ben O’Keeffe which appeared to visibly frustrate France, most notably an alleged slap-down of the ball by Springboks second row Eben Etzebeth with the line beckoning for France.

Etzebeth was also yellow-carded following a challenge in which contact was made with the head of France tighthead Uini Atonio, which wasn’t upgraded on review.

Ireland post-match presser 14-10-2023

Ireland post-match presser 14-10-2023

While head coach Fabien Galhie and captain Antoine Dupont spoke of their sadness at the result, there was more than a little bitterness about some of the New Zealand official’s decisions.

“There are so many key moments. When you’re leading 7-0 and (Eben) Etzebeth cut off the ball. That was a strong moment for us and we weren’t able to finish off. Soon afterwards it was 7-7. Those are key moments…which add up. So many things went on.

“I’m thinking of our supporters, families, people who believe in us daily, who were around us, who put in all the work. The players, of course, our France group which tonight has to be brave.

Antoine Dupont, who returned from a cheekbone injury suffered against Namibia – also voiced his disappointment at a number of the calls.

“Well, what did you think of it? It’s hard to talk about things because there is a lot of disappointment, a lot of frustration.

“There were a few clear things where the whistle wasn’t blown.

“I don’t want to be a bad loser and moan about the refereeing but I’m not sure the level of refereeing was up the level of the game today.”

Meanwhile, South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber was happy with officiating, although he conceded that given his side had won the match, it was maybe expected.

“I thought Ben was good on the day,” said Nienaber. “You would say we won and that’s why I’m saying that. We tried to take the referee out of the game – we scored four tries, and missed one or two, and one from the tee. We managed it well. I thought his communication on the day was excellent in terms of the decisions he made.”

Bok captain Siya Kolisi also lauded the referee’s performance: “From our side, all we can do is play rugby. We can’t control the decisions the ref makes. We will have to look at the game but the communications with him and the calls he made were fair. I would never discredit the referee. Obviously Antoine [Dupont] has his own opinion.”

The Springboks will now face England in the semi-finals next week in Paris.