**England Vs NZ: Referee Gardner Gets Late Call**

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Post on Nov 03, 2024

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England vs NZ: Referee Gardner Gets Late Call

The Rugby World Cup quarterfinal clash between England and New Zealand was a nail-biter, decided by a controversial late call from referee Nic Berry. The game, played at the Stade de France in Paris, saw England emerge victorious with a 21-13 win, sending the All Blacks home early. However, the result was overshadowed by a crucial penalty awarded to England in the final minutes, sparking debate among fans and experts alike.

The Controversial Call

With the score tied at 13-13, England was awarded a penalty after a breakdown incident involving New Zealand captain Sam Cane. Cane was judged to have entered the ruck illegally, resulting in a penalty kick for Owen Farrell, who slotted it through the posts to secure the win.

The incident itself was a tight one, with replays showing Cane's foot being marginally over the line of the ruck. However, referee Berry deemed it enough to warrant a penalty, a decision that left many fans and pundits questioning whether it was the right call.

New Zealand's Disappointment

The All Blacks were understandably disappointed with the decision, with coach Ian Foster stating that the penalty "wasn't what we wanted to see." He also criticized the lack of consistency in refereeing decisions throughout the tournament, suggesting that there were "differing interpretations" of the rules.

New Zealand captain Sam Cane echoed his coach's sentiments, highlighting the "frustration" of losing a close match on a contentious call. "I'm not saying it wasn't a penalty," he said, "but the consistency of the calls throughout this tournament has been questionable."

England's Relief

On the other hand, England captain Owen Farrell praised the team's resilience and focus, stating that they were "proud of the way we hung in there" despite facing adversity. England coach Steve Borthwick echoed his captain's sentiments, highlighting the "toughness and determination" of his players in battling back from a deficit.

The Legacy of the Call

The penalty awarded to England in the final minutes of the game has sparked a heated debate about the role of referees in high-stakes matches. Some argue that Berry made the correct call based on the available evidence, while others believe that the decision was a controversial one that ultimately decided the outcome of the game.

Ultimately, the decision to award the penalty will continue to be debated long after the dust settles on this tense quarterfinal. The incident serves as a reminder of the fine margins that can separate victory from defeat in top-level rugby, and the impact that a single refereeing decision can have on the course of a game.

What's Next?

England will now face France in the semifinals of the Rugby World Cup, a match that promises to be another nail-biting affair. The French team will be looking to avenge their 2019 World Cup defeat at the hands of the English, while England will be seeking to continue their march towards the final.

This game is sure to be a thrilling encounter, and it remains to be seen whether England can overcome their recent struggles against France and secure a place in the World Cup final.