Take a look at this in-depth, visual analysis of Highlanders skipper Aaron Smith’s successful captain’s referral, a new law variation introduced in Super Rugby Aotearoa this season.
Summary of situation:
Aaron Smith has provided our first big Captain’s Referral – a new law this year – of 2021.
After the Chiefs scored an apparent try, Smith approached the referee saying “Elbow to the neck on the last carry, […] Josh Ioane […] from Black 19” in the build-up.#CHIvHIG pic.twitter.com/BOZyOfQEyE
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) March 5, 2021
Aaron Smith has provided our first big Captain’s Referral – a new law this year – of 2021.
After the Chiefs scored an apparent try, Smith approached the referee saying “Elbow to the neck on the last carry, […] Josh Ioane […] from Black 19” in the build-up.#CHIvHIG pic.twitter.com/BOZyOfQEyE
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) March 5, 2021
Analysis unpacking the entire sequence of play:
1/3
Interesting sequence of events leading up to that Captain’s Referral in the game.
Josh Ioane initially tells Aaron Smith he’s been hit with an elbow, who then approaches the ref saying “Elbow to the neck on the last carry, […] Josh Ioane […] from Black 19”#CHIvHIG pic.twitter.com/K5ivXsgDda
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) March 5, 2021
2/3
A waterboy then enters the picture and seems to give Sam Cane a message from the coach’s box about a counter-referral the Chiefs can make.
Cane considers, goes back for confirmation before saying something like “taken off the ball eh”, which draws a smirk from the ref. pic.twitter.com/UuMaPzd0PD
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) March 5, 2021
3/3
The refs decide it’s an elbow to the neck and award the penalty. Smith laughs at having to face his All Black captain.
Cane questions the decision, to which the referee responds with something along the lines of “your counter-referral wasn’t made within the 10-seconds” pic.twitter.com/nrZGhHG6tc
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) March 5, 2021
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Photo: Getty Images
