Super Rugby: Hurricanes rue controversial decision in semifinal loss to Crusaders

Were the Hurricanes 'robbed' in their semifinal loss to the Crusaders? Photo / Sky

TJ Perenara believes referee Nic Berry botched a crucial call in the dying seconds of the Hurricanes' 30-26 loss in the Super Rugby semifinal to the Crusaders on Saturday night.

With two minutes on the clock, the Hurricanes were in position to launch an attack, but Berry called a knock on against Perenara to put an end to their hopes as the Crusaders took out the match 30-26.

Replays appeared to show Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock had reached over the breakdown and illegally swiped the ball from Perenara's grasp.

A deflated Perenara said the Hurricanes should have been awarded a penalty. Instead the Crusaders were rewarded with a scrum feed inside their own quarter, before clearing for touch on the fulltime hooter to win the pulsating game.

If the Hurricanes had been awarded a penalty they would have had one last chance to attempt to score a try to claim a victory and advance to the final.

"We know it's a penalty," Perenara said. "The ref can't see everything. He makes a call, and calls it a knock on.

"Sometimes we expect a penalty, there, for a deliberate knock down; but it is what it is in a game of footy."

Hurricanes coach John Plumtree agreed with Perenara.

"I think something happened in that last ruck that you guys (the media) might want to have a look at, at some point," Plumtree said.

Fans took to social media to express their frustrations at their team getting "robbed" of an upset win.

80’ The referee misses Sam Whitelock playing the ball at the ruck and the Crusaders make another final. Congratulations @Hurricanesrugby #CRUvHUR

— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) June 29, 2019

Sky still haven’t showed one replay of the most controversial moment in the game. Great game but rubbish coverage from Sky as usual. Whitelock knocked that on, not TJ #CRUvHUR

— The Rugby Oracle (@RuggaOracle) June 29, 2019

Before anyone asks I thought Nic Berry had a very decent game. But I'm sure he'll be somewhat disappointed with that last decision #CRUvHUR

— Scott (@MadMaclegend) June 29, 2019

Hurricanes robbed of an opportunity to win the game at the death, Crusaders gifted the chance to put the game to bed. Ending our season on a referee error is a tough pill to swallow.

Oh well, fuck the Crusaders (and their name), Vamos Jaguares! #CRUvHUR

— Jordan Patu (@Jordan_Patu) June 29, 2019

Despite the controversial finish, fans were treated to one of the best games of the season - with the Hurricanes putting up a strong challenge right until the final whistle.

Were the Hurricanes 'robbed' in their semifinal loss to the Crusaders? Photo / Sky

In the end, the Crusaders showed how difficult it is to beat them at home.

The hosts broke out to a fast start, going up by three points in as many minutes, before a brilliant cross kick from Ryan Crotty found winger Sevu Reece in the corner for the opening try of the match in the 13th minute.

The Crusaders outran Hurricanes by 100m in the first half, with the Hurricanes making far more tackles. However, the Crusaders kept the door open – with 12 turnovers conceded in the first half.

It was a different story in the second half as the game opened up and both sides played fluid, attacking football.

Ultimately the Crusaders hung on and booked a place in the final against the Jaguares next week.

Superb game. That Sam Whitelock knock on non call robbed an even better finish. Very tough on Perenara who was superb. Let’s also not forget it should’ve been the Brumbies in Christchurch. Maybe Crusaders fans will turn up to the next home semi?

— Liam Napier (@liamnapiernz) June 29, 2019