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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Robert Hynes

Rassie Erasmus questions refereeing decisions as South African media furiously react to Ireland loss

Rassie Erasmus appears to have questioned a number of refereeing decisions during Ireland's 19-16 win over South Africa.

The former Munster coach, who is South Africa's Director of Rugby, posted a video online which shows Andy Farrell's side benefit from a kick-through at a ruck, from Dan Sheehan, and a similar kick from South Africa being called back by referee Nika Amashukeli.

Erasmus thanked the Irish supporters for the atmosphere they created at the Aviva Stadium, saying it was a game of "big battles", before adding "but small margins" with an emoji pointing to the clip below.

READ MORE: Ireland withstand Boks storm to lay down marker in thriller

He tweeted: "Tough test match, thanks for all the support from, also thanks to the Ireland supporters at the Aviva, you definitely understand the game and its great to play in an atmosphere like yesterday ! Surely was a game of big battles, but small margins."

Saturday's game was Erasmus’ first back at a stadium after he served a ban for criticising match officials during last year’s British & Irish Lions Tour in South Africa.

There was more criticism of the referee in some sections of the South African media too, with an IOL headline reading: "Blatant errors and home-town calls from referee but Springboks had enough chances to beat Ireland."

A section of the article stated: "Nika Amashukeli won’t be the most popular person in South African rugby circles anytime soon after making a number of blunders in the Springboks’ 19-16 loss to Ireland in Dublin, on Saturday night, that proved costly in the end."

Craig Ray of the Daily Maverick also pointed to "small margins", writing: “Sexton threw a massive forward pass as Ireland attacked. How the officials missed it remains a mystery and a phase later the Boks conceded a penalty, which led to the lineout, which led to the try. Small margins.”

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