New Zealand opened their World Cup campaign against Argentina – a side they know well from their battles in the Rugby Championship.
But it seems the All Blacks weren’t quite prepared for English ref Wayne Barnes, who handed out three yellow cards in the first half – two to New Zealand and one to Argentina.
One of those yellows was given to New Zealand captain Richie McCaw after the TMO spotted this deliberate trip:
The trip that put McCaw in the bin – brought to you by @SamsungUK | #SamsungRugby http://t.co/JE1kfss1Fb
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) September 20, 2015
It’s safe to say that a lot of people felt that the yellow card was a long time coming for the All Blacks’ skipper, who has made a career performing some of the sport’s darker arts.
Only Richie McCaw's 3rd yellow in 143 tests – can that be true? Shame on all those refs!
— James Rudolf (@James_Rudolf) September 20, 2015
What a time to be alive. This is rugby's JFK moment #McCaw #yellow #RWC2015
— Rugby Onslaught 🏉 (@Rugbyonslaught) September 20, 2015
Oh well done TMO. McCaw, you’re absolutely off.
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) September 20, 2015
My god. Barnes just saw Richie do a naughty. McCaw’s forgotten his invisibility cloak.
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) September 20, 2015
https://twitter.com/RugbyBanterPag3/status/645633486133440512
Yellow card for McCaw on the phase before the try for me. So so cynical. #NZvARG
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) September 20, 2015
Some people thought McCaw was lucky to get away with just a yellow.
https://twitter.com/Argentina2023/status/645638943988445185
Interesting. Lewis Moody claiming according to the laws, McCaw should've gotten a Red. Trip = straight red. Interesting.
— Just Sport (@JustSportZA) September 20, 2015
