World Rugby fears another English referee could face abuse after World Cup final... as New Zealand reports claim the All Blacks were told that Aaron Smith's second-half try was WRONGLY ruled out in South Africa loss

Rugby's global authorities fear that another English referee could become a target for online abuse and threats after being embroiled in the post-mortem into New Zealand’s agonising World Cup Final defeat.

The All Blacks lost the tense, thunderous showpiece decider 12-11 against South Africa in Paris on October 28, and weeks later the toxic fall-out from that result is still being felt. 

Wayne Barnes has revealed that he was the victim of ‘vile’ attacks and criticism after taking charge of the game before retiring as a referee, but now the Kiwi backlash has created another scapegoat.

Reports in the New Zealand media claim that World Rugby officials have privately acknowledged to the All Blacks hierarchy that a second-half try scored by Aaron Smith was wrongly ruled out. 

Tom Foley, the TMO in an all-English officiating team for the final, referred Barnes to a knock-on at a lineout in the build-up to Smith’s strike, which meant it was scrubbed off.

On procedural grounds, Foley acted outside of his remit, as he highlighted an incident which took place four phases before the try, when the revised TMO protocols only allow for an intervention linked to events in the preceding two phases of play. 

However, footage showed a clear knock-on which had been missed – meaning Foley’s input prevented a glaring miscarriage of justice which would have incensed Springbok supporters, if their side had gone on to lose.

Mail Sport understands World Rugby are concerned that a system of post-match communication with teams about officiating decisions – to improve understanding – is being undermined by leaks of information into the public domain. The governing body are thought to be alarmed about a loss of trust, which may lead to the system being reviewed and ditched, as they seek to protect officials.

In this case, it is felt that the right decision was reached by the wrong means, but it was still the right decision. The suspicion that the New Zealand Rugby Union has shared confidential feedback is seen as a divisive step which could antagonise the RFU here, as Foley is an English official.

A spokesperson for World Rugby said: ‘As confirmed prior to Rugby World Cup 2023, World Rugby does not publicly comment on match official decisions. We stand by our match official team, who perform one of the hardest jobs in professional sport to an exceptional standard.

‘As we have seen in recent months, sadly, criticism of match officials can have wide-ranging consequences, including online hate and threats. We must be mindful of such a human impact.’