Claims Kurt-Lee Arendse's try was illegal on two counts
A significant amount of England fans are complaining that Kurt-Lee Arendse’s remarkable 33rd-minute try at Twickenham was illegal following South Africa’s rout of England.
Eddie Jones’ side suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Springboks as they lost a repeat of the 2019 World Cup final 27-13.
Jones’ men delivered the worst performance of an autumn campaign consisting of a solitary victory over Japan as the 14-man Springboks, inspired by half-backs Faf de Klerk and Damian Willemse, dominated.
By the end of Saturday’s first half, England had spent only six seconds in the opposition 22 and their backline had been reduced to virtual bystanders by a vast error count and the familiar disciplinary issues.
The most brainless moment arrived shortly after the break when Jonny Hill flung De Klerk out of a ruck, prompting referee Angus Gardner to reverse a penalty. Seconds later, Eben Etzebeth was over to extend the lead to 24-6.
Faf De Klerk is every lock's worst nightmare ? #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/RPYTgmpR4U
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 26, 2022
Unlike their mesmerising comeback to force a draw against New Zealand a week earlier, there were no late heroics this time, even after replacement prop Thomas du Toit had been sent off in the 60th minute for a dangerous challenge on Luke Cowan-Dickie.
Henry Slade dashed over in the 72nd minute but pedestrian England had rarely threatened amid a lack of ideas or tempo in attack.
In contrast, the Springboks lit up Twickenham on an otherwise drab evening by running in a sensational try through Kurt-Lee Arendse, prompted by Willemse’s brilliance.
Arendse backed up his four-try salvo against Italy last weekend with the opener at Twickenham in the 33rd minute. Willemse and Willie le Roux combined on the right to set Arendse away and the Springboks wing raced past Marcus Smith before he crossed over in the corner.
2019 flashbacks for England fans ?#ENGvRSA #autumnnationseries pic.twitter.com/njCbD1KyYm
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 26, 2022
Many England fans feel the try should have been allowed on two grounds: A block by Arendse on England fullback Freddie Steward and an apparent forward pass to the same player moments later.
“Someone explain to me how the winger hasn’t blocked Steward and taken an intentional step to block the catcher?,” said one fan. “Standard officiating.”
Someone explain to me how the winger hasn't blocked Steward and taken an intentional step to block the catcher? Standard officiating #ENGvRSA
— Keysie (@Keysie7) November 26, 2022
“‘Try of the Year’ ?” wrote another… “except for the obvious deliberate block on Steward and the clear forward pass to Arendse. What is the TMO watching?”
‘Try of the Year’ ? ….. except for the obvious deliberate block on Steward and the clear forward pass to Arendse. What is the TMO watching ? #ENGvRSA https://t.co/maKSfLLf9z
— Les B (@MeetTheCritics) November 26, 2022
Erm. Blocking and 2 forward passes? #ENGvRSA
— Joseph Wood (@JosephWood90) November 26, 2022
Blocking and forward pass for that try same old south Africa #ENGvRSA
— Sam Johnson (@1325samjohnson) November 26, 2022
Even seasoned journalists suggested things seemed a little fishy.
“That is such a clever, clinical counter-attack from SA,” wrote Will Kelleher. “Arendse the cute block on Steward, then rinses Smith on the outside to finish it.”
That is such a clever, clinical counter-attack from SA.
Arendse the cute block on Steward, then rinses Smith on the outside to finish it. #ENGvRSA
— Will Kelleher (@willgkelleher) November 26, 2022
“Gently surprised Arendse’s block on Steward not looked at,” wrote Nick Heath. “Fell squarely in the “he knows what he’s doing” category for me, Jim.”
Gently surprised Arendse’s block on Steward not looked at. Fell squarely in the “he knows what he’s doing” category for me, Jim.
— Nick Heath (@nickheathsport) November 26, 2022
In the end it mattered little, with a sizeable gulf between the sides only slightly narrowed thanks to a late try for Henry Slade.
AAP and PA, additional reporting RugbyPass
Comments on RugbyPass
You doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
43 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
5 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
5 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
5 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
5 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
5 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
3 Go to comments