Bismarck du Plessis of South Africa (R) is yellow-carded by referee Romain Poite (L) during the Rugby Championship Test rugby union match. Photo / Getty Images.
Bismarck du Plessis of South Africa (R) is yellow-carded by referee Romain Poite (L) during the Rugby Championship Test rugby union match. Photo / Getty Images.
A review by the International Rugby Board has found that South Africa hooker Bismarck du Plessis should not have received his first yellow card against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday.
Du Plessis was sent from the field midway through the first half following a tackle on AllBlacks No 10 Dan Carter, who injured his right shoulder in the hit.
"Following an initial review, the IRB confirms that it was incorrect for referee Romain Poite to issue a yellow card to Bismarck du Plessis in the 17th minute of The Rugby Championship match between New Zealand and South Africa in Auckland on Saturday,'' an IRB release stated.
"Just as players and coaches make mistakes, the decision was an unfortunate case of human error by the match officials, who, having reviewed the match, fully recognise and accept that they made a mistake in the application of law.''
Du Plessis was given a second yellow card in the second half after leading with his elbow while being tackled by Liam Messam, which resulted in a red card for his second offence of the game.
