All Blacks v Springboks: How the clock can be stopped in Cape Town
The recent rugby test match between the All Blacks and the Springboks was marked by significant time-wasting, leading to a game duration far exceeding the standard 80 minutes. The article analyzes specific incidents, such as equipment changes and player altercations, that contributed to the frequent clock stoppages.
Why it matters
The pace of play in professional rugby is a growing concern for fans and officials, impacting the flow and entertainment value of the sport.
The All Blacks’ first test against the Springboks lasted nearly 100 minutes when all the stoppages were taken into account.
A first half which lasted 48 minutes and five seconds followed by a second half which was 35 seconds longer wasn’t even the longest game South Africa have been involved in within the past year as their victory over Ireland in November stretched longer than two hours.
Pace of play was a hot topic before the test series kicked off, with former test referee Jaco Peyper, now adorned in Springboks branding, explaining how scrums or lineouts must be set within 30 seconds of a mark being called.
Despite the issue of time-wasting supposedly being addressed, here are the five ways play was slowed down at Ellis Park.
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