Distraught New Zealand captain Sam Cane mentioned he “would have to live forever” with the pink card he acquired within the 12-11 defeat to South Africa within the Rugby World Cup closing.
The 31-year-old sat pitchside trying astonished as referee Wayne Barnes waved a pink card, upgrading the yellow he had initially been proven for a excessive sort out on Jesse Kriel.
Cane had hoped to make historical past by skippering the All Blacks to a file fourth title — as an alternative he turned the primary participant to be despatched off within the sport’s showpiece.
Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. Join now and begin streaming immediately >
It was the Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who had been yellow-carded himself early within the second half, who lifted the trophy.
For Kolisi it was a second time, for South Africa a file fourth.
“We have been at the tournament for two months and anything around the head has ramifications,” Cane instructed reporters.
“I am not here to say whether it is right or wrong, it can’t be changed.
“Unfortunately it is something I will have to live with forever.”
Head coach Ian Foster was equally downcast, although extraordinarily pleased with how his aspect had taken it to the wire regardless of enjoying one man down for round 50 minutes.
The 58-year-old was barely bemused Cane had acquired pink whereas Kolisi didn’t have his yellow card upgraded for the same sort out.
“I don’t want to be us talking about red cards,” mentioned Foster. “It is what it is.
“There will be a plenty of time to analyse that. The game has got a few issues it’s got to sort out.
“That’s not sour grapes. There were two similar incidents one was a red, one was a yellow (for Kolisi).
“That is the game.”
Foster, although, was fulsome in his reward of the forlorn-looking Cane sitting beside him.
“I think we’ve all seen the way Sam has contributed to the game, our team behind the scenes, he’s been fantastic, worthy of being captain of the All Blacks,” mentioned Foster.
“It is a fantastic honour and a privilege and I think he’s carried that magnificently well and I am incredibly proud of him.
“It’s a tough old day at the office when that happens and he’ll be feeling a lot of emotion, I guess.”
Cane mentioned he was nonetheless ready to absorb how properly his teammates had stepped up after his dismissal.
“I’m feeling so much hurt, but I am so proud of the group the way they fought back and gave ourselves a shot of winning that game,” he mentioned.
“It speaks volumes for the group as a whole.
“It is a fantastic group of men who care so much for playing for the All Blacks and making New Zealand proud.
“So there is a lot of heartbreak in the sheds (dressing room) right now. It is hard.”
The closing was the third successive match the Springboks had gained by only a level, having crushed hosts France 29-28 within the quarter-finals then England 16-15 within the semi-final.
Foster mentioned it had been a “heck of a final” and praised the Springboks for his or her refusal to let go.
“They just know their game,” he mentioned.
“They are strong. Experienced. Clearly they have learned how to fight in a dark place.
“You can’t argue with the three tight wins in this tournament.”
Foster and Cane had a torrid time final 12 months when the previous’s job was on the road till his captain and different gamers insisted he needed to keep.
However, Foster is stepping down now as Scott Robertson has been named head coach — Foster refused to re-apply for his job as he thought it was pointless to carry the method earlier than the match.
He mentioned he leaves along with his head held excessive.
“I would say there were a lot more ups than downs,” mentioned Foster.
“I’ve been privileged to be with a special group of people.
“We lost but as a coach you want your team on the big stage and to put their best foot forward, which they did.
“I couldn’t be more proud.”
— AFP
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
