All Blacks lock Fabian Holland has found himself at the centre of an online debate following New Zealand’s 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town.
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Images circulating after Friday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour opener appear to show Holland making contact around Stormers forward Evan Roos as players competed close to the try line.
The still image has prompted a major reaction from supporters, with some questioning whether the incident warranted closer examination from the match officials.
However, others have strongly defended the 23-year-old, arguing that the image does not provide the full context of the incident and that Holland appeared to lose his footing while entering the breakdown.
One supporter wrote: “He slipped.”
Another added: “It’s a contact sport, move on.”
A third said: “Don’t cherry pick still photos!!!”
However, several South African supporters questioned whether the reaction would have been different had a Springbok player been involved.
One commented: “If it was a Bok his bags would have already been packed.”
Another wrote: “Whatever was in the way clean it out. If a Bok… different story.”
There is currently no confirmation that Holland has been cited or faces any disciplinary action, and a still photograph alone cannot establish whether foul play occurred.
The incident came during an eventful encounter in Cape Town which saw the All Blacks eventually pull clear to win 38-21 after the scores had been locked at 14-14 deep into the second half. New Zealand scored four late tries to put the contest away.
Holland’s appearance was particularly significant after a difficult year. The lock dislocated his shoulder during the Highlanders’ pre-season and subsequently missed the entire Super Rugby Pacific campaign before recovering in time for the South African tour.
I’d avoid writing that he “kneed Roos in the head” as a statement of fact. From the still, you can safely say the image appears to show contact around the head/neck area, while making clear the sequence/video context matters. That also gives the article a stronger debate angle rather than making an accusation you can’t substantiate.
Five All Blacks who flopped against the Stormers
With places in the Test 23 up for grabs, these five All Blacks endured what could best be described as failed auditions.
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1. Pasilio Tosi
This was an evening to forget for Tosi.
The tighthead endured a torrid opening half at scrum time, conceding three penalties as the Stormers repeatedly targeted his technique.
His positioning was a particular problem, with his feet appearing too far behind him at the set-piece and leaving him vulnerable when the pressure came on.
Tosi did at least contribute defensively, completing all eight of his tackles and adding his considerable frame to New Zealand’s carries and clean-outs.
But props are ultimately judged heavily on the scrum, and this was not the statement he needed to make.
With the Springboks’ enormous forward pack waiting later on the tour, Rennie will have taken note.
Verdict: Will be fortunate to make the Test 23 on this evidence.