During the Fiji quarter-final match, an intriguing moment unfolded that left some broadcast viewers puzzled. It was an exchange between Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marler.
In a rather amusing manner, referee Mathieu Raynal opted to ignore the incident, offering a smile that resembled the expression of an unimpressed schoolteacher.
On X, formerly recognized as Twitter, numerous fans shared their thoughts with comments like, “Marler and Tuilagi (accompanied by crying laughing emojis).”
Watch the incident below:
Five players who underperformed in the World Cup quarter-finals
We take a look at five players who failed to perform in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
#1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Irish Independent 5/10: “Pinged twice in the opening minutes, once at the breakdown and once in the scrum. Indeed, he drew the whistle from Wayne Barnes in two of the game’s first three scrums. Running dialogue with the ref but seemed frustrated throughout.”
Planet Rugby 3/10: “His illegalities at the scrum finally caught up with him as Wayne Barnes continually penalised Porter for not driving straight. However, it was his needless infringement in the opening minute which set the tone.”
RUCK 5/10: “Penalised in an early scrum, as his hips were too wide in the pack. A big hit on Will Jordan on the 20th phase, as Ireland defended strong. Couldn’t support Doris in time for his carry, as the number eight was isolated, and Porter couldn’t stop Savea’s turnover. Penalised twice more in the scrum for the same offence, in a performance he would want to forget in the pack. “