In a thrilling World Cup opener in Bordeaux, Wales managed to withstand a dramatic late comeback from Fiji, securing the victory in a nail-biting 90-minute showdown.
Referee Matthew Carley’s performance in the match drew praise from several respected journalists and former players, particularly for his ability to halt the clock whenever Wales attempted to waste time.
However, a major point of contention among viewers was the penalty count, which seemed to get out of control in the second half. .
Wales found themselves on the wrong side of a 17-9 penalty tally, with a significant portion of those infractions occurring just five meters from their own try-line.
Despite the penalty discrepancy, both teams received one yellow card each during the intense contest.
SOCIAL REACTION:
Former Scotland fly-half Ruaridh Jackson wrote: ” Gutted for Fiji, Wales can thank Carley for that one. How they didn’t have more people in the bin was a joke.”
Old school journalist Peter Jackson wrote: “Wales hang on to win the match of the weekend. Nick Tompkins terrific but @fijirugby have good reason to feel aggrieved at referee Matt Carley letting Wales off lightly. Penalty count 17-9 against Wales, one yellow card each.”
Former England Lewis Moody tweeted: “If there was s one question post Wales v Fiji, I’d love to understand why Wales got so may warnings after repeated infringements and Fiji had 1 infringement and an imidiate yellow.?”
Fiji legend Nemani Nadolo wrote: “Yellow card after one penalty to wales 4 warnings ?. I’m confused.”
Senior Editor of @LWOSRugby, Robert Rees tweeted: “I’m sorry, but how is Matthew Carley being consistent there? Yellow card straight away at one end, 4 pens at the other and nothing but a warning. Fiji burned by officiating there.”
Provacative former England fly-half Andy Goode tweeted: “Is Matt Carley secretly Welsh? Feel for Fiji.:
Nigel Owens refused to be brought into the debate, tweeting: “Best game of the World Cup so far. Brilliant both teams. Da iawn Cymru well done Wales.”
Former Togna international Cooper Vuna wrote: “
Bloody ell that was a incredible fight back. Well done @fijirugby Referee you magaitinana usi kaita’e
5 players who flopped on the opening weekend of the 2023 Rugby World Cup
We take a look at five players who failed to perform in the opening round of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
#1. Finn Russell (Scotland)
Planet Rugby 4/10: ” Erratic at best. Scotland’s game driver did not drive anything in this one as he was clearly targeted.”
Telegraph 6/10: “A mixed bag. Collared for two avoidable penalties and marshalled well when the Springboks slowed rucks. Found space with the boot and tackled courageously.”
One fan wrote: “Three guarantees. Life, Death, Finn Russell going missing in a big game.”