WATCH: Cheslin Kolbe’s no-try against the All Blacks splits opinion

Jared Wright
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Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe was controversially denied a try by the TMO during the clash with the All Blacks in the Rugby Championship.

Cheslin Kolbe's disallowed try against the All Blacks.

The All Blacks got off to a rip-roaring start to their Rugby Championship clash with the Springboks on Saturday in Auckland.

However, the Springboks looked to be getting back into the game when the TMO denied winger Cheslin Kolbe a possible try in the 26th minute.

All Blacks fly out the blocks

The hosts raced into a 17-0 lead after Will Jordan brilliantly set up a try for Aaron Smith in the fourth minute.

Jordan was taken to the ground by Willie Le Roux but quickly got back to his feet and raced away before finding Smith in support.

Ian Foster’s charges went even further in front through a Richie Mo’unga conversion and then a penalty before Shannon Frizell steamrolled Le Roux to score the All Blacks’ second.

With the Springboks under the pump and needing a reply, South Africa were attacking deep inside the All Blacks’ 22.

Close call

The Springboks chanced their arm with a cross-kick out to the right wing for Kolbe to contest. The Springbok rose high in contest with Beauden Barrett, who spilt the ball forward with the pair scrambling for the ball on the ground.

Kolbe looked to have touched down but the TMO disagreed.

The decision has split the viewers, with many believing it was a try while others were certain it was not.

Supersport presenters Schalk Burger and Hanyani Shimange disagreed with the TMO while Justin Marshall, for Sky Sport NZ, disagreed with the former Springboks.

“The Kolbe ‘no try’. What do we think? Looks grounded to me…” one tweet read along with a clip of the incident.

Front Row Grunt added: “Probably the right call, but sjoe, that could easily have been called a try to Kolbe …. Whoopsie. Horrific from DdA!”

Journalist Bobby Bridge thought the officials got the right decision.

“Intriguing first half. All Blacks flew out blocks but Springboks have stayed in the fight. Kolbe call was tight but IMO correct, it bounced upon first grounding, meaning likely separation (and rampant attempt at second grounding a giveaway). Penny for Rassie’s thoughts,” his tweet read.

Ben Smith added: “Boks are clearly tired. No dominance at scrum or maul. Not even competing in the air on ABs lineouts. Can’t bring that game against ABs. A bit unlucky on Kolbe no try but that was kick & hope. Power game shut down. Got the launch codes for the Nuke squad or left them in SA?”

Dylan Jack thought the Springboks could complain about the officials’ performance in the first half.

“Boks have good cause to complain about the officiating. It’s been dreadful, especially the Kolbe try. But at the same time they have been their own worst enemy in the first half. Can’t go 17-0 down and then decide to play,” his tweet read. 

Another viewer was left perplexed: “How does a TMO get a decision like that wrong? Downward pressure from Kolbe, clear grounding, try.”

While South African journalist Brenden Nel added: “That TMO call for Kolbe’s try – I’d love to know how Whitehouse got to that decision…”

READ MORE: WATCH: Will Jordan DAZZLES as he sets up Aaron Smith for All Blacks try

Internationals Cheslin Kolbe

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