Was it a forward pass? Yes it was. But referee’s aren’t perfect, far from it at times. All Black supporters will understandably not accept that though.
But in all games there are bad decisions made by refs, and if you watch as a neutral you’ll often find that the majority of the time by the end of the match both sides had a pretty even share of poor calls.
That said, the reffing at this tournament has been pretty poor.
However, the reality is that the mighty All Blacks are now out of the World Cup.
Memories of 1999 resurfaced as France hit back after the break, after conceding a try and missing a few penalties in the first forty. New Zealands most dangerous player on the night Luke McAllister got put in the bin for New Zealand, which didn’t help their cause and France applied the pressure. Thierry Dusatoir crossed for France, but Rodney So’oialo matched him with a try of his own from the pick and drive.
Enter the stage Freddie Michalak. The man who, when at the top of his game, is majestic to watch. Almost instantly and with his first touch of the ball he sniped through from that now infamous dubious pass.
Either way, his turn of speed and communication with Jauzion resulted in the try for the French and a day that will forever be remembered for the day that two of the top three sides in the world got knocked out of the tournament unexpectedly.
Final Score: 20-18
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