Who screwed up? This guy!

Controversial New Zealand referee, Bryce Lawrence, earned the fury of thousands of South Africans for his apparent bungling of decisions during the Springboks’ crucial Rugby World Cup quarter-final match against the Wallabies in October, which the Boks lost 9-11. Apologies for ripping the scab off such a fresh wound, but let’s get through this.

Following criticism of his performance from several quarters, including the bok camp, fans and even neutral onlookers, Lawrence has spoken out at last in response to allegations of his incompetence.

Says Bryce:

I was disappointed with some aspects in my own performance that day after refereeing four really pretty strong games in pool play. I’m not blaming anyone for the quarter-final refereeing display apart from myself. I didn’t referee as well as I could.

Ouch. There you have it. His admission is unlikely to earn reprieve from South African rugby fans who feel his poor performance, and refusal to penalise several clear breaches in play during the fitful quarter-final, cost the Springboks their passage to the Semis. For his own part, Lawrence commented further on the repercussions of his poor refereeing that day.

There have been some pretty clear consequences from my quarter final display. I’m not going to be refereeing the Six Nations next year.

I suspect the English, French, Welsh, Irish, Scottish and Italian teams are going to be more relieved by that development than the legions of rugby fans Lawrence mortally offended. Well, Springbok fans, has Bryce earned South Africa’s forgiveness with his confession?

[Source: News 24]