Nigel: Fassi lucky not to get yellow

by | Aug 29, 2025 | African Golf News

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Former Test referee Nigel Owens believes Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi was fortunate to escape a yellow card against the Wallabies in Cape Town.

The Boks were leading 23-17 in the 64th minute of the Rugby Championship match when the Wallabies broke into the 22 and replacement fullback Andrew Kellaway was tackled by Fassi.

The Bok No 15 went for the ball, winning a crucial turnover as referee James Doleman ruled Kellaway had knocked on.

Owens told Whistle Watch that the Wallabies had every right to feel aggrieved.

“I’m not saying that they were robbed in this game, but they certainly do have a very, very valid point here,” he said. “I do believe there should have been a yellow card to South Africa 15, and this is the reason why.

“When he tackles that player, he needs to release the ball-carrier, then get to his feet before he can attempt to jackal the ball. He never lets the ball-carrier go. So we definitely have a penalty – it is quite cynical as well, only a couple of metres out from the tryline, after a great break from Australia.

“That incident alone should be a penalty and a yellow card as well.”

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Owens also pointed out that Wallabies winger Corey Toole’s attempted clean-out was impeded by Bok replacement scrumhalf Cobus Reinach.

“Look at South Africa 22 as well. What he does very, very cleverly, as he’s coming back, he runs across the tackle. So what he’s doing now is preventing the Australian support player from getting there to regather that ball or clearing out that illegal jackler – so we have two offences here.

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“So Australia certainly are quite valued in their grievance point here. That definitely should have been a penalty. It should have been a penalty for either of those actions, and definitely a cynical action – a penalty and yellow card against South Africa 15.”

The Boks went on to secure a 30-22 victory.

The post Nigel: Fassi lucky not to get yellow appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.