Controversial Alun Wyn Jones yellow card

For the second successive week, Alun Wyn Jones was sin-binned within a few minutes of coming off the bench against South Africa.

Last weekend in Pretoria, there was confusion as he was shown a yellow card after Cheslin Kolbe scored a try, the lock seemingly paying the price for repeated infringements by Wales.

This weekend in Bloemfontein, there was controversy as he was shown a yellow card for hands in the ruck, with referee Angus Gardner describing the act as “cynical” as it was close to the Welsh line.

However, the Wales second-row was clearly frustrated with the decision and, along with some of his team-mates, remonstrated with the officials. And replays suggested that he had not touched the ball.

Those on social media were far from impressed with the yellow card decision…

The world’s most-capped player had been on the pitch for only three minutes, having replaced Will Rowlands, and South Africa were able to extend their lead to 12-3 with another Handre Pollard penalty soon after Jones had trudged off.

However, the yellow card then seemed to galvanise the visitors. They got a foothold in the opposition half as the Springboks’ discipline faltered and Gareth Anscombe was able to reduce the deficit with a penalty.

Then, in the closing minutes and back to a full complement of players, they opted to kick for the corner from another penalty and from that lineout Josh Adams scored in the corner to make it 12-11.

Anscombe stepped up to the tee to convert the try from the touchline and Wales closed out a 13-12 win – their first-ever victory against the Boks on South African soil.

Let us know what you think about the Alun Wyn Jones yellow card – and Wales’ win – by emailing rugbyworldletters@futurenet.com

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