New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times
A South African science professor who called on the IRB to investigate whether the Rugby World Cup quarter final between Australia and the Springboks was fixed, has now changed his view.
In a letter to South Africa's Cape Times newspaper, Tim Noakes suggested the result of the match, won 11-9 by the Wallabies, was based on "bent" science.
"When the outcome of a sporting event is predetermined, we call it 'match-fixing," Noakes wrote in his letter.
"I am not saying that there was match-fixing, I am saying that the IRB must prove there wasn't."
But later, speaking to South African sports website Sport24, Noakes denied accusing anyone of match fixing.
"[My letter] was merely to indicate that this particular game would prove a landmark case in the future history of the Rugby World Cup since it appeared as if refereeing decisions determined, in no small measure, the outcome of the game."
In his original letter, Noakes added his voice to other South Africans such as referees' boss Andre Watson and captain John Smit who blamed New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence for the World champion's shock exit.
On his return to South Africa retiring skipper Smit said "the one positive [of retirement] is that I won't ever have to be reffed by him again".
Watson believed Lawrence would never control a Rugby World Cup again in light of his performance saying "he didn't referee the breakdown" and would be severely admonished by the IRB.
"His opening game (at the World Cup) was outstanding. I had no problem with his appointment," he told 567 Cape Talk Radio.
"But he allowed a free-for-all.
"It's not what you would expect from a referee of his calibre - he didn't referee the breakdown the way he was supposed to. He just didn't step in."
Over 60,000 rugby fans have backed a Facebook page called "Petition To Stop Bryce Lawrence Ever Reffing A Rugby Game Again".
Comments left by the participants ranged from the gracious to the vile.
"What we mustn't do is demonise New Zealand - remember how awesome it was to win at home - Bryce Lawrence is just one man!" wrote Louise Vickers.
"New Zealand have been through a lot - earthquakes and now oil leaks - let's support our Southern Hemisphere brothers regardless of Bryce Lawrence!"
Some were hopeful their petition could convince the International Rugby Board to stage a rematch of the quarter-finals match.
"The Boks deserve a rematch!" said Kim-Leigh Kristen Davids. "WE DEMAND A REMATCH! We can beat da Aussies in our sleep!! (without Bryce Lawrence as the ref)."
By NZ Herald staff
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