Fans Rank the Top 7 Most Controversial Calls in Rugby Union History

Friday, 14 February 2025 at 13:26

byRugby Rucker

Rugby referees have one of the toughest jobs in sport—pilloried for the decisions they give, castigated for the ones they don’t.

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With every call dissected in forensic detail by TV replays, slow-motion angles, and social media outrage, some decisions will forever remain in rugby folklore.

Here are seven of the most controversial calls in rugby history—ones that fans just won’t let go.

7. Bismarck du Plessis’ Red Card – 2013

A titanic clash between South Africa and New Zealand in 2013 was turned on its head when referee Romain Poite showed Bismarck du Plessis a red card for a tackle on Dan Carter.

The problem? The first yellow card du Plessis received was for a textbook, legal hit on Carter. Even the All Blacks admitted it was a shocking call.

World Rugby later confirmed the decision was incorrect, but it didn’t change the fact that South Africa had to play much of the game with 14 men, losing 29-15.

6. Mark Cueto’s ‘Try’ – 2007 World Cup Final

It could have been the moment England changed history.

Matthew Tait split South Africa’s defence before the ball found Mark Cueto, who dived for the corner. The entire England squad celebrated. But after an agonizingly long TMO check, the try was ruled out for a foot in touch.

Instead of a game-changing score, England had to settle for a penalty, and South Africa went on to claim a 15-6 victory. Fans still debate whether Cueto’s foot was really in touch…

5. Wayne Barnes' Forward Pass – 2007 World Cup Quarter-Final

New Zealand’s earliest-ever exit from a World Cup was largely blamed on one man—Wayne Barnes.

In their quarter-final against France, Barnes missed a blatant forward pass from Damien Traille to Freddie Michalak, leading to a crucial French try.

To this day, many All Blacks fans haven’t forgiven him.

4. The Third Test – British & Irish Lions 2017 Tour

A late penalty looked to have sealed victory for the All Blacks—until referee Romain Poite changed his mind.

After Liam Williams spilled the ball forward and Ken Owens instinctively caught it in an offside position, Poite immediately awarded a penalty. But after a lengthy TMO review and a debate with Sam Warburton, he downgraded it to a scrum.

The match ended in a draw, and the series finished level at 1-1.

3. Scotland v Australia – 2015 World Cup

One of the most infamous referee blunders in World Cup history.

With just two minutes left, referee Craig Joubert awarded Australia a match-winning penalty for an offside that, as replays later showed, wasn’t offside at all.

To make matters worse, Joubert sprinted off the pitch at full-time, refusing to shake hands with the Scottish players.

World Rugby later admitted he had got the decision wrong, but it was too late—Scotland were out, and Australia marched on.

2. Speargate – 2005 Lions Tour

Brian O’Driscoll’s Lions tour was over within minutes after a horrific spear tackle by Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu.

The Irish legend was lifted and driven into the ground, dislocating his shoulder. But the referee and TMO took no action.

The controversy led to major law changes, with World Rugby cracking down on dangerous tackles.

1. Sam Whitelock’s Offside – 2023 Rugby World Cup Final

The most recent—and arguably one of the most significant—controversial calls in rugby history.

With just minutes left in the World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand, All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock was caught offside in a crucial defensive moment. The penalty allowed Handré Pollard to slot three points, which ultimately secured the Springboks’ record fourth title.

Fans will argue forever whether it was a fair call or a harsh one—but for South Africa, it was history made.