“It’s impossible for Kolbe to counter the ball if he doesn’t start in front,” says Huget

2023-10-18 13:11:07

The elimination of the French XV against South Africa (28-29) on Sunday in the quarter-final of the World Cup was marked by numerous contentious refereeing decisions which continue to provoke reactions.

The transformation of Thomas Ramos countered by Cheslin Kolbe continues to spark debate. Asked to react to the immense disillusionment of the Blues on South Radio, the former back of the French XV and teammate of Cheslin Kolbe for 6 seasons at Stade Toulousain (2017-2021), Yoann Huget, returned to the South African winger’s counter on Thomas Ramos’ penalty. For him, it is obvious that his former partner is not following the rule.

We were far from the ball, even when diving

Yoann Huget

“It’s impossible for him to counter the ball if he doesn’t go in front. I played with him for 6 years, we went up a total of 200 times together and I can tell you that we were far from the ball, even when diving”confided Huget. “There were times when we were leading from one point, where there was a transformation and we tried to go up as quickly as possible and it didn’t work.»

Cheslin Kolbe’s gesture continues to cause a lot of talk since the end of this France-South Africa. Many observers believe that the South African player left before the French fullback Thomas Ramos began his run-up, which should have resulted in a penalty for the Toulouse player.

I think I followed the rule

Cheslin Kolbe

For his part, New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe, targeted in particular by Blues captain Antoine Dupont after the match and victim of cyberharassment from French supporters, judged at the time that the counter was legal. “It’s okay, the timing is good”, he told his video assistants. On certain slow-motion shots, it is however clear that Kolbe leaves his in-goal too early to hinder the French striker.

The Springboks winger did not see this action the same way after the meeting. “For me there was no problem and I went up trying to do my best, as hard as I could, to try to counter the ball or make him feel a little bit of pressure. I think I respected the rule and the law by being well to the side and behind. I think that the fact of having played with Thomas (Ramos) for six years in Toulouse and having learned the way he kicks helped me a little this evening.“, defended the former RC Toulon player.