Argentina made their way to the Stade de France on Friday evening, off the back of a terrific display against Ireland, as they took the fight to an impressive French side that had defeated the mighty All Blacks just last week.
The travelling side got off to an awful start, however, with their captain Julián Montoya falling foul to a dreaded, yet ever more common, yellow card. In the third minute, Montoya was binned for targeting the lower limbs of Jean-Baptiste Gros, who subsequently had to leave the field.
🟨 An early yellow for @LosPumas after an illegal clear-out at the ruck!#AutumnNationsSeries | #FRAvARG pic.twitter.com/nNbdH4vVcc
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 22, 2024
The ruling left many disputing the decision, with Austin Healey claiming that the Argentian captain put no weight on his back despite a minor twist, concluding “It’s not a croc roll for me”.
“We have foul play. He targets the lower limb and twists at the end, so it meets the yellow card threshold”, referee Luke Pearce explained, before reiterating to Montoya that the secondary action targeted the lower limb, concluding that it “Is not allowed.”
Fans have appeared frustrated at the decision, with many aiming their frustration at the experienced referee, Ian Tempest.
On Twitter, Andy Kennedy said: “Ian Tempest (TMO) yet another frustrated referee who never quite made it. Now wanting to referee the game.”
It’s worth noting, however, that despite how unfair the ruling appears, the officials have followed protocol to the letter of the law.
Argentina’s fortunes continued to go from bad to worse in the 35th minute, with Tempest and Pearce needing to intervene in a French try-scoring opportunity. The two enforcers decided that Argentian flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez had unlawfully palmed the ball forward to deny French speedster Louis Bielle-Biarrey a try in the corner.
As a result, Pearce explained to the returning Montoya that his teammate’s palm was always facing forward, resulting in another yellow card and a penalty try.
📺 The TMO has a big decision to make…
🟨 Los Pumas see another player go to the bin and a penalty try awarded… A tough few minutes for the Argentines…#AutumnNationsSeries | #FRAvARG pic.twitter.com/5vPh7t2cpL
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 22, 2024
Fans on X did not feel the same way.
Ian Moore said: “That ball went backwards. Now he did slap it to touch… so maybe the right decision in the end. But where does it say in the laws which way your palm needs to be pointing…”
Taff Jones added: “So you can pass the ball forward, but call it “momentum” but if you knock the ball backwards, with your hand pointing forwards it’s an intentional knockdown..? I used to think I understood the laws, but now..?”
Once again, the laws are the laws, but opinions are clearly subjective.
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