Over the years, South Africa's rugby team, the Springboks, has been at the center of several high-stakes matches, some of which have been marred by controversial decisions that sparked heated debates among fans, players, and pundits alike. While the team has won many major tournaments, some of their most memorable moments have come not from their victories, but from refereeing decisions that remain hotly contested to this day.
Below are five of the most controversial red cards and penalties involving the Springboks.
The 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final between South Africa and Wales was a thrilling, tightly contested match that saw the Springboks edge past the Welsh 19-16. However, it was a penalty decision in the dying moments that stirred controversy.
With just a minute left on the clock, South Africa was awarded a penalty that allowed them to clear their lines and hold on for the win. The penalty was awarded for an alleged high tackle by Wales' Dan Biggar on South Africa’s Faf de Klerk.
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