ROSEMARY ABBOTT | Sport
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
All Blacks fans and traumatised players from the 2007 World Cup squad are feeling a sense of vindication today.
The TMO from Saturday’s test against France has decided to use his official powers to rewrite history. After ruling out three of the home side’s tries on Saturday, the television match official is now looking at the alleged French forward pass during the All Blacks’ infamous quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup 18 years ago.
The favourites of the tournament were upset 20-18, in a game where Wayne Barnes was criticised for missing an extremely obvious forward pass, ultimately leading to the AB’s being knocked out of the tournament.
Luke McAlister who scored in that infamous match spoke to reporters.
“Yeah wow, finally. That’s been nagging me for 18 years. A horrible game, horrible memories and damn horrible grey jerseys. At least something good can now maybe finally come of it. It was a mile forward,” said McAlister, who was also controversially yellow carded in that game.
Asked how he heard the news, McAlister said: “Mils Muliaina texted me ‘Bro, the TMO’s going back in time’. I thought it was a piss-take. But then I saw what he did on Saturday night to the boys in Dunedin and thought, well if he wants to get the right result, then by all means do so, even if it’s 18 years too late.”
NZ Rugby officials have welcomed the development but urged caution.
“We’d like to remind fans that unfortunately, if the try is ruled out, the game will not be replayed and France will not be disqualified from progressing to their semi-final from 2007. We will still remain as quarter finalists and have our earliest exit ever. We do however welcome the possible news that the forward pass missed by touch judges and Wayne Barnes, was indeed forward.”
More to come.
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