The most controversial match in professional rugby history

One of the most controversial rugby matches of all time was the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter-final between New Zealand and France. The match was a brilliant tense game and unfortunately was shaped by a poor decision from referee Wayne Barnes (also missed by the linesman).
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:22 Haka
1:10 Highlights
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[@joedennehy386]

It was a huge forward pass, and he did not award a single penalty against France in the 2nd half, but we were not good enough. we didn't have a plan for a dropped goal, despite camping on their line. We learned a lot, went on to win the next two world cups with the same captain, and found redemption. We have all moved on

[@turloughmcconnell8897]

who committed the forward pass? Watched it back twice now and nothing looks worse than level.

[@aabb6677]

@@turloughmcconnell8897 You can 'micro' analyse this stuff to death- the 'so called' forward pass looks like Michalak doesn't cleanly take the pass and 'taps' the ball in some way and then holds it. But as we know even with VAR mistakes are constantly being made by referees - I think Rugby union suffers from rules that go back over a century where a degree of sportsmanship (and acceptance of the officials decisions) was expected which certainly no longer applies - you only have to read the comments here to see how disingenuous people are about a GAME which took place almost 20 years ago turned out!

[@johnkewley]

Have a look at new zealands look at try the player crawled over the line, that's not placing the ball

[@Hammersteyn]

It's backwards out of the hands, or a flat pass like NZ calls it.

[@steahan9036]

A match without refereeing errors cannot exist. Sometimes it is very difficult to decide, which is why it is essential to accept the referee's decision. The referee is an integral part of the game. What else to do? It was a memorable match and in the end it was rugby that won.

[@billyandriam]

LOL calling it the "most" controversial match in history is a huge overstatement. We should talk about that 2011 final as well.

[@olivierlionellitvine3398]

Morgan Parra was avenged last Saturday in Stade de France. All Balcks a mere shadow of their former selves. Rightly punished.

[@andreswz3297]

lo hace por los likes y las vistas

[@republicofhandball8815]

it's perhaps related to that forward pass after which the france scored a try ...

[@jake9315]

France being robbed in the 2011 final is an absolute myth. Some jealous Ozzy went on a rant for attention on Australian TV, that's all.

[@stevethomas3502]

We're talking about Rougerie eye gouging McCaw, right?

[@PeerAdder]

The look on Sébastien Chabal's face during the Haka is priceless. The point of the Haka is not (just) to intimidate but to "bring the fire" in the opposition, so that when you beat them it is a greater victory. It certainly lit Chabal's fuse.

[@jhonnathanbritos5363]

Chabal was afraid when he faced Argentina. He's not a big thing

[@LordErnesto2008]

In the translation of the Haka there is nothing offensive, at least the traditional one.

[@wobblertv8083]

South Africa v.France semi in 95 was a bit dodgy to say the least ...

[@manusduminy9845]

It all depends on the size of your blinkers ...

[@daaichommie708]

Ja my old man said the same. He basically said the Frogs should have won. But history is history.

[@karlclifford1176]

I watched this game live when I was 11, having spent hours upon hours playing rugby 08. I couldn’t believe what I’d seen from Dusatoir. What a player.

[@Mitcham1986]

Now do one for the 2011 RWC final where craig joubert handed the All Blacks the WC on a silver platter.

[@romainviry3185]

Thank you

[@Nui.]

Cool story bro, but that pathetic AB-hater's myth is just that... a load of complete and utter bullshit. A silver platter.... whereby McCaw being kneed in the back of the head and eye-gouged in that final didn't even manage to garner a warning for the French - let alone the red cardings they deserved. Likewise, much like this quarter final match, the continual French tactic of diving through rucks/sealing off the ball/playing the ball off their feet and doing all manner of illegal shit to stop the ABs getting fast front-foot ball to attack with isn't exactly the tastiest platter serving either now is it? France simply haven't deserved to win a RWC.... yet, so good luck to them this time around.

[@joedennehy386]

What bitter jealous nonsense, we thrashed them by a point

[@perryboykett2985]

That was Frances world cup final that year

[@romainviry3185]

@@joedennehy386 ahah this point was hard thought by ref Joubert, did he get his medal too ? 😅

[@qsds9586]

the most contraversial match, for me french guy, is the final 2011, thk's Joubert... or the semi-final against south africa in 1995, Mandela had to win his world cup, for the storytelling..

[@notthisprickagain8499]

And New Zealand had to win because of the tragic earthquake in Christurch. France robbed twice because of emotional politics!

[@cigh7445]

I'll agree with you on 1995. Both France and New Zealand were robbed in 1995, but I believe New Zealand moreso, as they were the huge favourites from the start that year. The 2011 match was a robbery, but France should not have been in the 2011 final because Wales were robbed by the referee against France in the semi-final in 2011. Everybody forgets about Wales.

[@larsswedberg107]

Okay but how can you not appreciate 5’7 Dominici smirking at 6’8 beast of man Ali Williams.

[@jamesgill6213]

This is NOT the most controversial game ever played. It's because NZ lost. 😅

[@joedennehy386]

have you ever seen a bigger forward pass in a world cup knockout game? I haven't

[@johanweakley2658]

​@@joedennehy386yes, and it couldn't have happened to a nicer side 🤣🤣

[@philipkoekemoer4705]

​@@joedennehy3862011 SA vs AUS Nz was crap in this game

[@caylebmladenovic3348]

@@philipkoekemoer4705sa was shit in that game and lost too australia twice in the tri nations that year

[@zisssssou]

@@joedennehy386 Yes, there were many many many worst forward passes in rugby world cup history. it's just in the nz DNA to deform reality.

[@emmanueljoly5575]

Is there anybody here remembering the World Cup final, in 2011 ? Cheers... from France ! 😉

[@SifaTukuafu]

Yep the allblacks won and 2015 as well something France are not good at 😂 what they're good at is choking 😂

[@MichieKeating]

2011 RWC final being a robbery is overstated to the point where it has become a joke. Joubert was bad but he was bad both ways. Even a French ref reviewed the game and said 4 bad decisions against France and 3 against NZ. France vs SA in 1995 was a way worse robbery.

[@thingme9941]

@@MichieKeating Agree. Joubert was under pressure to get out alive to the Mangere Airport.

[@Edgel-in6bs]

I never realized carters pass for McAllister try was forward too!

[@westsideAUKILANI]

Flat at best bud. Compared to the obvious forward pass

[@Edgel-in6bs]

@westsideAUKILANI oooh, not sure, seeing various replays, looks slightly forward to me. I do take it obviously the winning try was a forward pass. Also forgot though how quick that all unfolded, and was in an Era before much TMO/when refs tended to let way more go!

[@joebish6629]

@@westsideAUKILANI Defo forward.

[@theulsterexpat]

I was at this game along with 20000 other Irish fans, obviously thinking it was going to be Ireland that were playing. If you watch the full game at about 20mins in you can hear 'The Fields of Athenry' ringing round the stadium

[@cigh7445]

Had Ireland ever beaten the All Blacks even once by 2007? Ireland were a good team but they never had the depth to get through such an attritional tournament as a World Cup... A bit unlucky at times too to be fair. Argentina were like Ireland, but with luck. This year Ireland were probably one of the top two best teams in the World, but again they didn't have the depth, and were very unlucky with the draw... To finish first and have to play France or New Zealand in the quarter? That was crazy but the Irish team can hold their heads high, I've never seen New Zealand dig that deep to get a win.

[@maverick4177]

RIP Jerry Collins, what a player he was

[@larockeefstream]

just but just thought of him when i saw this comment. Giant of a player. RIP

[@smithsway]

Anyone know the music playing in the background?

[@jasonstewart194]

Yeah I don't even think it was the most controversial match in history at the time but that particular moment (the ball that goes forward by at least 2 feet) is a nice one that AB fans will never forget. But that is sports, and the AB's more than had their "moment of equality" in the 2011 final.

[@will_274]

16 years ago. It’s still hard to watch 😂 No one else can be blamed for the loss, except for NZ. France deserved the win. It was a blessing in disguise. New Zealand dominated for the next eight years. Knockout rugby is a different beast. It takes more than one game plan to win. Must be prepared for things not to go your way. Good luck to all the participants in France. France are the favourites. It’s whether they can handle the pressure of a home World Cup. They have the team. Their record speaks for itself.

[@Moggy471]

Mate, that is the correct rugby attitude. That and we all shake hands and have a beer aftewards.

[@gillessturbois8914]

Yes ab have been beast for many years after this defeat. The incoming world cup will be incredible with 4-5 favorites. I’ll be in the stadium for the opening match And am just thrilled… I hope a respectful game and nice spectacle !

[@Dreyno]

I don’t remember it being controversial. I remember Kiwis losing their mind over it but nobody else thought there was much in it. It was actually hilarious seeing them get worked up over sod all.

[@jake9315]

Your envy is palpable.

[@Dreyno]

@@jake9315 Envy of what? Being bad losers?

[@lucienlimacher738]

great video - what is the name of the song?

[@huepix]

Great game and a great comeback by france. Was hoping they'd go on to win that year. This year? Best chance. Certainly my favorites

[@bmeras]

Yes, the most controversial match... Even more than the final of RWC 2011 between the same teams. 17 obvious penalties not given. 1 against France, 16 against NZ (including 8 against Richie Mc Caw). I understand that a match with a forward pass missed by the referee in quarter final is more important ;)

[@Moggy471]

The first NZ try looked marginaly forward too TBF.

[@olivierdenys4382]

Mc Caw with his fist in the eyes of Morgan Parra as often as possible to make him leave the field. Have a look on Parra's face when heis going out. You are right @bmeras ..That is the most controversial match of the history of rugby. I love NZ team for years and I hope that the first match between our two nations the 8th of september will be clean with a good referee.

[@jake9315]

@@olivierdenys4382 Myth. Ruck calls were 50-50. NZ adapted to the interpretation of the ref, France didn't.

[@olivierdenys4382]

@@jake9315 I'm sorry ..I didn't know that you were blind !!!

[@jake9315]

@@olivierdenys4382 Cheer up mate. Froggies will win it this year. Maybe.

[@melbeeswax6087]

Could you do one about the huge forward pass NZ did vs Wales on 1978 and when NZ conned Roger Quittenton of a Penalty to beat them in 1980?

[@phirus02]

funny how people seem to only remember the forward pass while the highlitghts showed multiple instances where nz could have been yellow carded but were not like rokocoko hitting dominici, i say fair game, refs make mistakes. 2011 on the other hand ...

[@hervemurgale8098]

What about semi final SA-France in 1995 ? The most cheated world cup match ever : 3 tries refused for France, one non-existant try awarded to SA...

[@olivierdenys4382]

SA had to win that year ...It was history and politics ...Not sport unfortunatly

[@markgriffiths9377]

@@olivierdenys4382 Yes, not to mention that the game should never have been played lol. The conditions were a little drenched.

[@Miiiiiiighty]

Not to mention it should never have been played under such circumstances ( diluvian rainfall ) , and Bevan called the captains to announce that it wouldn't be played ( after postpone it twice ) just to finally overrule himself after seeing in the rulebook that would out South Africa because they got a red card in the pools... Then the rest is history : 3 tries refused, a fraudulent try awarded and a 30k$ goldwatch gift from Louis Luyt to Bevan at the banquet after the final...

[@Sebastian.Rd.Arellano]

No way this game is more controversial than the 2011 RWC final. That game was a STEAL.

[@jake9315]

Cry more

[@jake9315]

Myth. Ruck calls were 50-50. NZ adapted to the interpretation of the ref, France didn't.

[@Narapoia1]

Compared to Bryce Lawrence's career ending performance in the 2011 RWC this doesn't really stack up. Yes there was a missed forward pass, Bryce Lawrence manufactured one to deny SA a try, plus all the other missed calls. He rightly was never allowed to ref a test match after that, way more controversial.

[@huepix]

I know Bryce quite well. Went to school with him. I remember that game and thinking "what the hell are you doing"? It is the single worst officiating I've seen. To the point he did appear to be, well, dunno if cheating is the right word, but certainly blatent bias.

[@Narapoia1]

@@huepix The IRB are usually so protective of the refs it was the only instance I know of where they have sanctioned one and denied them further tests. Speaks volumes to how controversial it actually was. Whatever Bryce got out of that match I wonder if it was worth his career to him.

[@joedennehy386]

I am old enough to remember south african referees mate, you always used to win. In fact since uncle Gert stopped blowing for you after 1976, you struggle to win one in four against the Abs, which delights me. Check it out if you want to talk about bad refereeing.

[@johanweakley2658]

​@@joedennehy386you're probably right, but I take it NZ refs in New Zealand were pure, honest and without the slightest bit of bias. Your anti SA sentiments are welcome, would hate a Kiwi supporter to be pro SA. Anyway, any country that can keep someone like Jacinda Ardern in power for so long must have something seriously flawed in their national psyche.

[@manusduminy9845]

​@@joedennehy386I'm old enough to remember NZ refs, mate, so shut your trap. By the way, did you expect to win in '76, with that team. The one with that little whinger Grant Batty on the wing?

[@jeffbruno6222]

What about the finale 2011?

[@Alex55455]

I remember screaming forward pass at the TV for like the next 5 minutes in utter disbelief such obvious forward pass was missed by all the officials in such an important match. The remainder of the match I was screaming for the All Blacks to kick a damn drop goal which they never even attempted. Hopefully the All Blacks watch back the tape of this game, the 99 game and 2019 game against England before going to the this years RWC so they don’t repeat the same mistakes.

[@Tanks518]

I was there as a ball boy it was definitely a forward pass .

[@celticdemolition]

Other than one missed forward pass, which happens all the time, what's especially controversial here?

[@MrAhuapai]

How often in international rugby does one team completely dominate possession and territory yet not get awarded one penalty . Its unheard of. NZ should of been awarded a number of penalties for offside, slowing the ball down but strangely the whistle stayed in the pocket. He was a bit green Barnes to be thrown into this furnace so early in his reffing career. he's a good ref now but wasn't up to the challenge then.

[@neilbathe7752]

@@MrAhuapai Seriously? This is just the highlights and I have already seen two penalties given to NZ - not just advantages. Is your one good eye busy elsewhere tonight?

[@imladrik3538]

@@MrAhuapai 2011 Final NZ vs France, where Joubert let McCaw break the rules repeatedly.

[@samlim562]

​@@neilbathe7752 Not one penalty over the last 60 minutes yet dominating possession. Watch the game fool. Everyone beats on about the forward pass blah blah blah Real rugby observers know the game . You dont

[@MrAhuapai]

@@neilbathe7752 you must be of been too young to have watched the live game

[@nicholasforman1195]

This Friday (8th September) should be interesting!

[@Nui.]

UK rugby trolls post up click-bait title and get the rugby-peeps hopping post-RWC.... well played. 😉 The real tragedy of this match, for NZ, was the fact that they didn't have a "Plan B" to go to once their (hitherto dominant) style didn't reap the expected rewards. I was at this match, just to the right of the camera and down close to the sideline, and the truth is McCaw (as Captain) completely shut down and had nothing to offer.... and it was actually So'oialo who was the one trying to rally the ABs and get them moving. Yeah some bad calls by a ref who was in over his head, but NZ should have had an answer to France and they didn't.... so it's just tough shit for the ABs.

[@loukhoum124]

LOL the most controversial game is RWC 2011 final. ABs needed to win on home soil, and they did thanks to referee. Such a disgrace for them !!

[@jake9315]

Myth. Ruck calls were 50-50. NZ adapted to the interpretation of the ref, France didn't.

[@jean-manuelmarie7845]

​@jake9315 it's always the same story. We don't speak your language.

[@user-eq9jv5uf7d]

@@jean-manuelmarie7845 Eye gouge from Rougerie on McCaw should have seen France down to 14 men in the 2011 final, eye gouging is as low as it gets on the rugby field. Justice prevailed better luck next time chap.

[@jean-manuelmarie7845]

@@user-eq9jv5uf7d Are you joking ????? And Mc Caw on Parra ? All the game was a shamefully robbed.

[@user-eq9jv5uf7d]

@@jean-manuelmarie7845 You dont get it do you? You only see the calls you think went against you while assuming none went against the opposition which is ridiculous. Any side can play the referee blame game you need to grow the hell up.

[@Deletthis-gp7yy]

I love Chabal's reaction to their intimidation gimmick 😂 priceless. Who give a fuck about boys slapping their thighs while making angry faces

[@komodosp]

A minute to go with clean possession, why take a drop goal from the half way line? Waste of a perfectly good ball

[@rockyfox1673]

Can't believe I just watched that. One forward pass???

[@braaitongs]

Which was the other game that France knocked NZL out of the RWC? Dominici was playing

[@jacobwinn2765]

Hurt then, still hurts now. I still can’t watch this game or the 1999 semi against France… I think they were the start of my realising that rugby was given too much importance here in NZ and that we needed to grow up as a nation. I’d invested too much emotion into us and the game, cos losing hurt too much. France destroyed me then, and I’ve hardly watched rugby since. I’m much happier now that I don’t give any sports that much emotion ever again.

[@harrycowleshc]

Highs and lows brother. That's what it's all about.

[@jacobwinn2765]

@@1969cmp that’s the bugger

[@jacobwinn2765]

@@harrycowleshc supposed to enjoy the ride, but I’d allowed myself to get too hyped and wasn’t able to handle the low, so now I don’t get hyped. Saves me the emotional distress. It’s just a game of sport in the end and doesnt affect my life to such a degree anymore.

[@harrycowleshc]

@@jacobwinn2765 whatever works for you mate

[@1969cmp]

Radio New Zealand commentators, I'll give them their due, after France stormed back from behind grabbed the lead and widened the gap said, "this is the best game of rugby I have ever seen". It's a wild match.

[@annoyingbstard9407]

This is the twenty seventh most controversial match in history I’ve watched. The common theme is none of them are.

[@randombuttworthyisquiteran1821]

forward pass 10:23 minutes great refereeing Wayne Barnes. Wayne Barnes is the reason why world rugby appointed TMO's. He is still a bad referee with very bizarre interpretations of the rugby laws.

[@glynn9730]

I was there and it was one of the best sporting events I have ever been to..and I have seen a few. Only disappointment was the behavior and response of some the All Black fans to the extremely dangerous injury to Betsan…..so unsporting and not befitting of the rugby union family.

[@RudineiLopesdeSouza-vo7hp]

Here we have the cobras each country have your maners of played

[@seamus9750]

A nice appetizer for the September clash...

[@moegamadadams1156]

That forward pass was blatant

[@samwisehuluberlu2210]

The blatant stolen Word Cup Final on 2011 was way wore on all levels. Just stfu losing pricks.

[@splicedritestudios4965]

yea far from the most controversial how about the Bryce Lawrence debacle RWC 2011 so many issues we could make a list

[@andremaube5069]

Yes, there's clearly a forward pass. But NO way this is the most controversial. This is a single action South Africa - France 1995 was the most assertive robbery in rugby history But New Zealand - France 2011 is not far behind

[@jake9315]

France being robbed in 2011 is a myth. Ruck calls were 50-50. NZ adapted to the interpretation of the ref, France didn't. 1995 SF was much more of a robbery. NZ squad suffered food poisoning before the final as well.

[@simonjackson7269]

A pumped up Chabal!! Whos up for taking him on!!

[@verosch76]

controversial match? more like controversial moment!!

[@lioneloconnor4785]

What controvercy??

[@kurukoei]

France was better on the day. Forward pass? That happens regularly and NZ has benefitted many times from missed calls, actually way too many as they get the rub of the green 90% of the time.

[@joedennehy386]

Jealous

[@wilcoschepenable]

So much for the haka.....😂

[@shockandawesome3368]

Not related to the controversy, but is it just me, that gets the impression that only Northern Hemisphere teams don't seem to understand the meaning behind the haka? NH teams always "respond" in a certain way, while SH teams (SA, AUS, Fiji, Argentina etc.) take the Haka for what it is, which is not an intimidation tactic but rather a call to challenge. Same thing goes for the fans. SH fans always seem to be quiet and enjoy the haka, while English, French, Irish, Scottish etc. fans see the need to sing over the Haka

[@joshkarena3058]

Wayne Barnes should not have refereed this game, The All Black gave away a big first half advantage in the second half, the match officials missed the French forward pass. All Blacks lost focus on the game when the French went ahead on the score board. French win, well done. Terrible All Black jersey pattern as well.

[@stevenoshea9282]

The french were ripped off in the 2011 final that is the most revolting refereeing display ever,sour grapes by kiwis here and total hypocrisy.and many captains and top line players ex referees all agreed

[@ogamiitto8627]

Facts ! Thank you.

[@jake9315]

Myth. Ruck calls were 50-50. NZ adapted to the interpretation of the ref, France didn't.

[@ploppysonofploppy6066]

Looked forward from that camera angle, but the ref isn't omnipresent, can’t see everything. And if none of the other officials call it what do you do?

[@brokenmusician1]

My cheeky tenner is on Ireland for this year's RWC. Difficult side of the draw, but the only team that side likely to beat France IMHO.

[@Moggy471]

That seems very sane but It's the WC so who knows? I can't wait. :D

[@gillessturbois8914]

SA And NZ are favourites also. Do not burry them too quickly. And, no offense, ireland is 4th on my list. I doubt they will perform with teams able to challenge them physically.

[@Hugo-yl3qg]

France deserve win The most controversial match is final New Zeland - France 2011

[@glenntree5401]

Explain?

[@elfedhiggins3423]

@@glenntree5401 It was fixed in favour of New Zealand

[@elfedhiggins3423]

@@glenntree5401 kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2imZ5WKfd52Zrc

[@hradak]

@@elfedhiggins3423 100%... an absolute mockery of rugby reffereing! France was not the best team of the world but should have won that game without a doubt.

[@Kevin-lf4xx]

The most disgraceful refereeing I have ever seen was in that 2011 final.

[@DJoOFa]

People hating on NZ & the AB's.. FACT is, were it not for the game turning professional, OUR CONTRIBUTIONS (players, personnel, coaches, ideas, insights, etc), World Rugby and EVERY single country that plays the sport, your competitions, your talent, players & coaches, etc, WOULD NOT BE AT THE LEVELS THEY ARE TODAY, PERIOD.. EVERY country has prospered off the back of New Zealand, NEVER FORGET THAT next time you're watching a game.. Only Sth Africa I will exclude to an extent.. But they had the likes of John Plumtree, John Mitchell as club coaches, and our very own Kevin Putt became a Springbok.. But they, like us, are independent and proudly staunch countrymen.. Before, during & after apartheid, they were the No.1 Rugby Playing Nation for a long time.. NZ No.2.. And it stayed that way for many years.. WE are the ONLY countries to NOT have a foreigner coach our National teams.. Can you say that?.. I don't think so.. Enjoy your humble pie 🙂.. mfers 🖕🏾

[@steacktoto296]

what about the first NZ try? the pass between carter and mcalister...

[@dkstewy]

Never saw NZ do the haka so close to their opponents!

[@evanchristie9778]

it's as much the penalties he didnt give than the forward pass he missed. 3:15, absolutely clear penalty not rolling away 5m out, called ln 2 clear penalties in the last passage of play alone not called. All inside the French half

[@giuseppe2395]

As I try to feel bad for you I'm hastily reminded of Bryce Lawrence

[@mysticproduce705]

2 great teams 👍

[@joebrowne9217]

Was that the year of the NZ choke.?

[@INFACTparis]

I thought you spoke of the 2011 final

[@clement6574]

Lol there was a forward pass from Dan Carter on the first NZ try.

[@Jackson-ks1me]

This game did wonders for nz future world cups though. Alot of lessons learnt

[@gabillardsam]

Hopefully, 2011 final is THE most contreversial math in world cup history.

[@bFORCe2003]

People think the only problem with Barnes in this game are the two forward passes but its not, he missed so many infrigements at the ruck/breakdown, he didnt even penalise France once in that 2nd half, thats unheard of especially given the number of times he could've pinged them. Very poor officiating, probably the worst in World Cup history which he has since acknowledged.

[@aiglenoir81]

😂😂😂 Clownesque

[@Rugby-union-fan]

And they have the cheek to cry about 2011 which was nothing in comparison to this test

[@jjw4646]

Chabal a scary guy lmao.

[@toogyman]

Yawn Not close to being the most controversial match , not even in the top 10 not even in a top 50 !

[@123kiwiboy]

rip jerry😢

[@puruwaerea7634]

Referees 🤕 when two referees can't see a deliberate forward pass, the game sucks, no matter what team you support, the refs are second grade and Rugby World cup officials should be woken up to stupid acts of blindness 🫣

[@gchelem]

🤣🤣 You want a contoversial game? Watch the final of the 2011. You won't need a magnifier to look at a debatable forward pass. You will see Mc Caw doing infringements after infringement and Joubert too busy thinking about the tips he will get for being the 16th black player.

[@listeningto8371]

eat your greens. It will make you taller.

[@tommcglone2867]

Kiwis still being salty. France straight up outplayed the All Blacks in the second half. The only thing that was dodgy was the obvious forward pass. The 2011 Final was already decided before kick off

[@pierreg2583]

Don't get wrong, most controversial match is 2011 final. There are plenty fact checkings and videos describing the awful and one-sided refeering from Joubert.

[@RobRochon]

I was pulling for France (not that I don't like the All Blacks...I just like rooting for the underdog against the perennial favorite as part of my termpermant I suppose). But that pass was ugly. I don't know that this was the most controversial match in pro rugby history but that might be the most controversial non-call in professional rugby history.

[@karlosdeevs]

Completely forgot how long it took France to get a foothold in the game, more than 40mins before they even scored anything..

[@sebp66]

so....what's your point?!

[@karlosdeevs]

@@sebp66 no, just forgot that France didn't look like winning until well into the 2nd half

[@sebp66]

@@karlosdeevs so what? They won that game. They got clobbered often enough though. But things have changed, and i already placed my bet on France in the oppening game of the rwc on sept 8th against nz👍☀️

[@johnnyhammer]

@@sebp66 so....what's your point?!

[@sebp66]

@@johnnyhammer you are a sorry person if you copy à post , ré pist it , and f off!!!

[@chrisblain9365]

Nice netball gridiron pass missed there Wayne feckin forward pass leading to Froggy Try Barnes...ya great fruitbat

[@gchelem]

We are not going to bit you in septembre we are going to beat you. NZ to be spanked under the same tariff as the English: 53 - 10

[@Love1Monster]

8:30 I hadn’t realised there was a second blatant forward pass that was missed, which eventually led to a FR try.

[@damienocallaghan3906]

First time the All Blacks wore a Grey Jersey😀

[@samueldegiovanni1652]

No, was SA vs Lions

[@ugo8790]

It is far away from being the most controversial match in professional rugby history. France has been robbed in a more controversial way so many times ! I would even say that NZ has always been protected quite a lot by referees compare to France.

[@jayzed4282]

The only controversy from this match is the uniform worn by the All Blacks.

[@rorygreen7797]

It really ain't that controversial. The ABs lost. Get over it

[@KiwiGraggle]

And then beaten by NZ in 2011 and then crushed by NZ in 2015, by 62 points. France don't beat NZ as often as people think. The last time was in 2020, I think, but before then was 2007, yes?. Not great really.

[@gillespetit4579]

Well check-up your record and watch the last one. My best thoughs to mr Joubert

[@gregorybaillie2093]

Contrversial in that the AB's lost. The refing mistakes went both ways. The forward pass was a line ball, big deal. The better side won on the day get over it.

[@colinthompson7404]

Clear forward pass, but NZ had plenty of time to save the situation. Hardly that controversial, there's been countless tries given when there was a forward pass in the move. Instead try the Australia-Scotland QF in 2017.... Clear wrong decision made by Joubert in the final minute to gift Aussies the game winning kick, and then he sprints of the pitch a minute later rather than face the players.

[@damocles2240]

south african ref what do you expect was getting a nice house in the sydney suburbs for sure or even a visa.

[@leoddagan]

In France since the 2011 RWC final, we renamed Craig Joubert the 16th All Black.

[@franciscouderq1100]

Heuuuu,c’était mal parti…

[@Lockdown335]

The Warrieros aka The Wahs now know their pain too.... ffs

[@paulnutter1713]

Considering professional rugby started in 1895 this is about as controversial as my arse

[@TheIncredibleMachin3]

Just the forward pass that was dodgy, France had plenty opportunities to put the game to bed but their kicking was atrocious. Not very controversial at all

[@mark130471]

Its just a game.

[@burninggiraffe6615]

It’s always the way with the comments on these games. It looks like NZ bashing which is already boring. The fact is NZ is the most successful team statistically and they lose a few games.

[@gillespetit4579]

Lol you re so funny, nz bashing .....😂 talk to mr joubert you best ever support .

[@JuanMartinRuiz]

la pecheada mas grande de la historia

[@daaichommie708]

Not to be salty or anything, but I see a massive trend in rugby, and I don't blame the rugby players at all or even most of the fans. I just blame the media and the pundits. When NZ or England lose by a small margin, its a controversy. It's like there must be some external problem or corruption involved that attributed to their loss. Their media whines and whines for decades about one moment in the game but fails miserably to acknowledge other calls that should have been against them that were not picked up. God forbid a South African has an issue with a result, because if we do, we're just sour South Africans and we get chastised. Chow some cement and get over it. A loss is a loss. Suck it up, move on.

[@nielspeter9692]

Very hard 2nd half to watch live back in 2007. Hurt so much I couldn't believe the amount of penalties Barnes didn't blow for in the final 20. No words. Conspiracy is a good word. Conspiring to make the All Blacks lose. Barnes is still doing it. All Blacks have lost more games than they have won with Barnes as referee, coincidence? I don't think so

[@momope21]

Get over it after 16 years pal ! the NZ deserved to lose... as much as France in 2011 I assume... For all neutrals and non hysterical kiwis this was a hell of a steak back then

[@manunhc1644]

we're talking about mac caw who spent half his career out of the game 2011 jerome keano??? The all blacks are the best and they don't need adapted refereeing to win...it's been going on for a while and apart from denial and nationalism I don't see why we're not talking more...... good luck to the referees in France in a month's time....

[@davidtaliai996]

Boo hoo. NZ on paper should've comfortably put France away but they let that play get to them. NZ cant cry about it i remember when they pulled their top stars from super rugby for 2 months and they didnt want to be questioned on it because its the all blacks they can do whatever they want but when it doesnt go their way they whine and complain.

[@johnnysteenkamp5495]

France won yes but that last try was forward not a good way to win a world cup game

[@jamesgill6213]

Cant believe you are STILL wynning about this STILL! You lost beacuse of ONE forward pass???? What atbot the other 79minutes and 58seconds of the game??