The Springboks’ Test against the Wallabies in Perth was hit by two blunders involving the broadcast and match technology, IOL Sport reported.
The official audio link between the referee and the TMO failed at Optus Stadium. Match officials then used a standard iPhone to talk to each other, according to IOL.
Italian referee Andrea Piardi was seen trying to make a decision through a cellphone during the Test.
Earlier, the host broadcast cut live to the Springbok changing room. The camera caught several players coming out of the shower without any clothes on, IOL reported.
One Springbok player was also briefly caught changing on camera during the match against Australia in Perth.
IOL described the scenes as a complete farce. It said officials were seen huddled around a mobile phone while deciding whether a try had been scored.
The report compared the Perth problems with the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series in South Africa. IOL said the matches played in South Africa went off without a hitch.
According to IOL, things only started going wrong when the series moved to Baltimore in the United States. Officials there faced a similar communications problem.
Australia will host the Rugby World Cup in 2027. The United States is lined up to host the tournament in 2031.
South Africa has not hosted a Rugby World Cup since 1995, IOL said. The report pointed out that the country still has world-class stadiums.
South Africa was World Rugby’s official preferred candidate to host the 2023 tournament. The hosting rights were later given to France after late lobbying behind the scenes, IOL reported.
The IOL writer argued that World Rugby is focused on high-earning corporate money. The writer said this keeps South Africa on the outside when World Cup hosts are chosen.
The writer also pointed to South Africa’s world-standard stadiums and packed crowds. The country has shown it can host top Test series, the writer said.
According to the writer, the problems in Perth and Baltimore showed that more money does not always mean better organisation.
The writer said South African officials would have handed the referee and TMO a pair of walkie-talkies when the communication system went down.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.