Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron has been praised for handling a tense situation with Sharks captain Bongi Mbonambi during the Vodacom URC derby against the Lions at Ellis Park.
The struggling Sharks were trailing 19-10 towards the end of the first half when they thought they had narrowed the gap when flyhalf Siya Masuku sent fullback Aphelele Fassi over for a try.
However, TMO Ben Crouse brought an earlier infringement to the attention of referee Barrett-Theron, as Sharks prop Nthutuko Mchunu entered a breakdown in the side and leading with the shoulder, in the phase just before the try.
Barrett-Theron correctly ruled out the try, much to Mbonambi’s displeasure and the Bok hooker was initially disinterested in an explanation from the referee, walking away when she had called both captains to explain her decision.
However, Barrett-Theron then called Mbonambi in for a one-on-one chat, de-escalating the situation excellently.
The former Springbok Women back said: “Bongi, can you walk with me please, this way?” before going on to say, “Bongi may I speak please? Listen, I fully respect you and who you are, and I am well aware that all of your players have probably played more games than I have refereed in the URC.
“But we are on the same field so if you could show me the same respect that I show you, that would be very much appreciated.”
That seemed to calm Mbonambi, as he seemingly changed tact and asked Barrett-Theron: “They are just looking to me for answers, so was it foul play?” with Barrett-Theron responding, “Yes, that was foul play.”
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The Sharks would go on to suffer a 40-22 loss, which has left John Plumtree’s side continuing their run at the bottom of the Vodacom URC table, with sevens rounds left to play.
The post Watch: Ref cools boiling Bongi appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
