Rugby Referee Analysis: Luke Pearce | Springboks vs All Blacks Rugby Championship 2022

It blows my mind that people think Luke Pearce had a good performance as ref. The main issue that I come across is that people think this was an excuse for the boks losing the game. When any fan who watched that game, saw how they All Blacks dominated is physically and won that game despite the ref. In fact, the ref made some horrible calls towards them at the breakdown and the scrum. So the ref was not the reason the boks lost, by now most fans seem to agree the loss is on poor team selection and bad execution of our gameplan.

In saying that, it boggles my mind that we're not allowed to debate the bad performance of Luke Pearce. Why is that the case? He was bad, it's as simple is that. He was very inconsistent and had no control of the game. There were also quite a few incidents where stuff happened in front of him but he had to get help from the AR to make a decision. Such as the Jasper Wiese Cheapshot on Aaron Smith that was late and happened in front of him. Initially he wanted to just play on, until the AR stepped in and then he went to the TMO. The other case was the Barrett Yellow card. Initially he just said play on, when it happened in front of him. It was a clear cynical foul that he almost just ignored. Luckily the AR stepped in and they went to the TMO and eventually made the correct call. Then there was the disallowed try of Mapimpi where the block happens in front of him but he doesn't spot it. So the on field decision is try until the AR steps in to correct the decision. What bothers me about this is that there were 2 other incidents were the same type of blocking happened in front of the AR (In these incidents the AR is to blame, not Luke Pearce), but they somehow don't see it. These 2 incidents were cases where South Africa could've scored and in one of those the All Blacks end up scoring.

To be fair, these blocks happen often in rugby. It's dark arts that the All Blacks are very good at. If you don't get caught, it's genius. So I would not have had an issue if they let the Hendrikse block slide because that happens a lot. My issue is that they call the try back. But in the game the same type of blocking happens, but it gets ignored. We can't have that. Either blow penalty consistently, or remove the law from rugby. You can't pick and choose what to see.

[tasanalytics]

Still think he was "Amazing"?

[milestaylor]

Rugby has become such a fickle game. The officiating is so crucial to final outcomes. A real lottery. As a spectator its so frustrating. Killing the game. And I'm a Kiwi.

[tyronlottering]

As a South African I can honestly say that when it comes to a bad call, or in this case, I missed call, we still consider our team winners. There will always be winners and losers, but losing with dignity, keeps me a supporter #love the game

[rory]

The referee missed both. However, the latter was under more scrutiny because a try was scored and meant they could watch a replay of it multiple times to determine whether an offence had happened. An offence had happened and it was a correct call to reverse the try decision.

Had the first incident been spotted it would have, at most, incurred a penalty. A try wasn’t being prevented and the chasing player was simply targeting a player catching the ball in the air.

[kylehypz]

Lets not forget the ball rip which was called a "knock on" by Luke Pearce which should have led to a Springboks try even though Siya the captain was disputing it and Luke Pearce brushed it off.

[blakehoare]

Different context in my opinion.

1) block on sam whitelock was running open play. Hendriske was offside and opened up a channel for Am for blocking the tackle.

2) Havilli blocking Mapimpi (whilst obviously redirected his line too much I agree) refs do anticipate some blocking after a box kick.

Based on the above, try should have been disallowed so agree there, havilli probably redirected his line too much and likely deserved a penalty.

Quite different circumstances.

[drdecco]

I guess the Boks are meant to win every game and any loss is a “robbery”. When they themselves get the ‘rub of the green’ in a win and when anybody complains is tagged a bad loser.
It would seems it’s not just the refs who have tinted glasses. Same goes for NZ when they lose.

[TheBoorgatspook]

The biggest problem with modern rugby, is World Rugby.

[paulp]

But you need to bear in mind the first infringement didn't result in a try. Yes he could have blown the whistle, but it wasn't pivotal in the game.
The second infringement resulted in a try so it was correct for the ref to reverse it. Not sure what the complaint is here... surely nobody would disagree the springbok try was created via an infringement so should be disallowed.

[novak]

As already said. Things get missed. Tackle on Savea when he was going for what would have been his second try on SA try line. Also 11 in front of15 from SA meant SA player was offside. Open both eyes when viewing rugby game for a more balanced view.

[SuperEdge]

I think you’ll find all teams block kick chasers INCLUDING South Africa. Its not the same thing as the Mapimpi try because its not going to create a line break.

Still waiting for you to make one of these videos about the head high tackle on Clarke and why it wasn’t a yellow card.

[turboboer]

TAS, can you make a compilation of the the moments when the Boks crossed the AB''s goal line, & ref said held up, no try, please?
He never once asked for the TMO as far as I can remember.
Thank you.

[nacanielitabua]

The only thing consistent with the refrees is their and time again they come up with these blunders....such a tradegy to the game...

[jimmyboy]

Blocking has become part of modern rugby, if players keep their line, then it's fine. If it's a change of line or push, it's a professional foul. Problem is that every play would now require replays, taking time to review, and that turns rugby into Am football. Rugby already has too many stops and starts.
Edit. Spelling.

[dobs]

This will continue to be an issue as long as there is inconsistency in identifying the clear and designed obstruction coached at the highest level. The number of cynical professional fouls will continue as long as they are allowed. These are coached not accidental.

[icmaker]

let's start by saying that it is not a veil. the player does not stand in front to prevent getting under the ball. the 12 of the all blacks has wisely performed what I call a disturbance at the limit of the regulation, it does not prevent mapimpi from going on the ball but "annoys" him just enough to allow Jordie to have a more secure grip without pressure.

while in the second foul, 9 SA creates a double obstruction on the New Zealand player preventing him from tackling on 13. if you look closely they are 2 completely different fouls and with very different evidences

[DontThinkJustWonder]

Yes, Mpimpi was hindered in that first clip. But...Am breakout ended in a forward pass. The 2nd Hendrikse kick - Mpinmpi was way ahead of it. Lots of stuff was missed in a game. Maybe more than usual?

[waynejohnston]

I’m a kiwi I thought the boks were hard done by on a quite a few occasions, it’s a real shame with so much riding on the game

[mapleridge]

That AB player ran purposefully into Hendrickse.Even my 'Ouma' can spot that.

[nikolakozhuharov]

When Jordan takes the tap, isn't Willemse supposed to have retreated 10m? I may be wrong on that but as I see it, Willemse is offside.