Neil Barnes questions calls after Springboks series win

The Springboks completed a 3-1 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series victory over the All Blacks with a 43-28 win in Baltimore, before New Zealand senior assistant coach Neil Barnes questioned several refereeing decisions that he felt influenced key periods of the final Test.

Springboks complete 3-1 All Blacks series victory

South Africa recovered from losing the opening Test in Johannesburg to win the remaining three matches and secure the Greatest Rivalry series 3-1.

The Baltimore result was also the Springboks’ eighth victory in their last 10 Tests against New Zealand, a sequence dating back to August 2023. South Africa also strengthened their position at the top of the World Rugby rankings following the series finale.

Despite the final series score, the Tests remained competitive, with New Zealand winning the opener and remaining in contention during significant periods of the other matches.

Neil Barnes questions Baltimore refereeing decisions

Barnes criticised several decisions made during the fourth Test, particularly two early scrum penalties awarded against New Zealand for brake-foot infringements.

The All Blacks senior assistant coach claimed both teams had committed similar actions and argued that South Africa benefited from several close calls during the contest. Referee Karl Dickson was in charge of the Baltimore Test.

“We get two penalties against us at the start of the game for a brake foot (at the scrum), which no one really gives a s**t about, but the referees are concentrating on,” said Barnes to Newstalk ZB.

“And when you look at the video, both teams have done exactly the same thing at the same time. There’s two penalties against us.

“So, I guess at the end of the day, there’s a perception there that (the Springboks) are the dominant team, but at the moment they’re getting the rub of the green.

“When that changes, we’ll have a fair go.”