South African referee Jaco Peyper and video official Shaun Veldsman have been savaged for their handling of the opening match of the Rugby World Cup between England and Fiji at Twickenham, with fans up in arms on social media as Peyper repeatedly deferred to his television match official.
From adjudicating on suspected fouls in the ruck to watching endless replays confirming tries to Fiji's Nemani Nadolo and the bonus‑point‑sealing effort from England's Billy Vunipola, Veldsman had a big input at Twickenham.
The constant referrals to the video official saw the first half drag out to 52 minutes, rather than the scheduled 40 minutes, and the match as a whole took nearly two hours.
Most controversially, on one of the few occasions Veldsman was required for a would‑be try to Fiji half‑back Nikola Matawalu.
Former England fly half and world cup winner Jonny Wilkinson said how far does it go after he takes the conversion, and then it's on the screen ‑ can you still go back.
Wilkinson asked can you go back at half‑time and will you review it at the end of the game and be able to change scores after.
Same sentiments were shared by former England coach Sir Clive Woodward who said once the referee has given the try, that's what you've got to go with.
Source: ESPN
