Former Test stars Israel Dagg and John Kirwan were critical of officiating they believe cost the All Blacks dearly. Dagg claimed Test rugby was being eroded as a spectacle by the increasing use of red and yellow cards for foul play and professional fouls.
WELLINGTON - Former All Blacks and New Zealand's media lamented the impact of cards in Test rugby following the "heart-wrenching" 12-11 loss to South Africa in the World Cup final on Saturday.
The All Blacks spent the last 53 minutes reduced to 14 men after captain Sam Cane was shown red for a high tackle on Jesse Kriel. He aimed his criticism at referee Wayne Barnes and television match official Tom Foley -- both Englishmen. Media outlets also highlighted Cane's punishment as the final's key moment, with a New Zealand Herald headline calling the defeat "heart wrenching".
Veteran hooker Dane Coles is the only player to retire but eight have signed offshore club contracts, making them ineligible for the All Blacks -- among them Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett.
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