2023 RWC flashback: Damian Willemse calls a scrum off a mark
Of all the decisions made at Rugby World Cup 2023, none was as bold as Damian Willemse’s choice to call a scrum off a mark against France.
Of all the decisions made at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, none was as bold as Damian Willemse’s choice to call a scrum off a mark in the quarter-final against hosts France.
The call was so bold that it was actually the first time that it happened at a World Cup!
Added to that, it came in one of the most high-pressure matches of the tournament.
Willemse’s decision worked a treat as the Springboks won a penalty from the scrum and were able to clear their lines.
The Springboks went on to win the match 29-28.
The Springboks would then beat England in the semi-finals 16-15 and New Zealand in the final 12-11 to win a record fourth World Cup title.
WATCH DAMIAN WILLEMSE’S BOLD DECISION
Fast forward six months and World Rugby has BANNED the ability of players to call for a scrum from a mark.
World Rugby claimed in a statement that the change – which was one of three made by the governing body – was brought about to increase the “sport’s entertainment factor to attract new audiences and grow the sport”.
You buying that?
The new law changes will come into effect on 1 July.
In the meanwhile, sit back, relax and enjoy the memory of Damian Willemse’s bold decision …
Mark-to-scrum?
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 17, 2023
Bold but brilliant from Damian Willemse 👏#RWC2023 | #FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/23B0DiUfnA