'What a beast': Ref's reaction to intense World Cup clash stuns fans
The Rugby World Cup semi-final between South Africa and Wales may have not been a classic due to the dour tactical battle, but a David vs Goliath moment has fans raving over Faf de Klerk.
De Klerk may have been the smallest man on the field but it didn’t stop the scrum-half squaring up against the monstrous Wales No.8 Jake Ball.
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Fans couldn’t believe the image of de Klerk smiling as Ball towered over the South African as he grabbed his collar.
But to add to the grandeur, fans spotted referee Wayne Barnes looking on in horror as the two squared off after play.
Many were quick to praise the bravery of de Klerk and noted the expression on Barnes’ face.
This game is intense. Even the Referee is feeling it #RWC2019 #fafdeklerk pic.twitter.com/GEAsOpF85h
— Nkosana Sithole-kaMiya (@SitholeNkosana1) October 27, 2019
.@fafdeklerk's altercation with Jake Ball is even better to the soundtrack of 'I Want to Know What Love Is'. 🤣 #WALvRSA #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/tshLzPgkaU
— RugbyRocks.com (@rugby_rocks) October 27, 2019
David vs Goliath moment #WALvSA
Faf de Klerk not scared of Jake Ball #RWC2019 #Springboks pic.twitter.com/t2REowsnC9— Brian Nel™ (@nel17brian) October 27, 2019
@fafdeklerk Is legit not scared of anything it seems like!!
What a beast!#WALvRSA pic.twitter.com/BIUr2qbbCP— Jan vd Westhuizen (@RyL_SpartanX) October 27, 2019
Even the ref was shook😂@CeresJuicebox pic.twitter.com/7Wi4DNaXKR
— Casius TG (@CasiusGeiseb) October 27, 2019
Fans slam semi-final shocker
Wales and South Africa were panned by viewers after a dour first half in Sunday night's Rugby World Cup semi-final that saw the Springboks book a date with England in the final after a 19-16 victory.
Coming a day after England's breathtaking win against the All Blacks, the hype of the second semi-final was simply not matched by the standard of play.
Many fans predicted an arm wrestle between two sides with strong kicking games, but few could have tipped how devoid of attacking rugby the first half would be.
Both sides opted for conservative approaches, prioritising territorial kicking over running rugby, with a couple of minor scuffles representing the most action on display in the opening exchanges.
