Latest news with #HollieDavidson
The Herald
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Boks want clarity from refs — Peyper
Rugby There are certainly one or two areas to raise, says law and discipline adviser before second Test against Italy Premium 08 July 2025 Frustrated by their display in the opening Test in Tshwane, the Springboks want clarity on refereeing issues before Saturday's rematch against Italy in Gqeberha, SA's law and discipline adviser, Jaco Peyer, says. After the Boks beat the Azzurri 42-24 at Loftus Versveld, Peyper said he would have discussions with Scottish referee Hollie Davidson before the second Test (kickoff 5.10pm)...
Daily Maverick
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Springboks seek referee feedback after breakdown mess at Loftus
Frustrated members of the Springbok management team have asked referee Hollie Davidson and her team for clarity ahead of the decisive Test against Italy in Gqeberha on Saturday. Rassie Erasmus used the word 'frustrated' several times in the aftermath of the Springboks' 42-24 win against a weakened Italy at Loftus Versfeld last Saturday. The Bok coach lamented South Africa's lack of intensity in the second half, and went as far as to suggest that there would be consequences ahead of the next team announcement. In the same breath, Erasmus questioned the legality of Italy's breakdown approach and intimated that the officials were too lenient on the visitors. Both teams have since transferred to Gqeberha for the decisive Test of the series. While it's a new city subject to different weather and playing conditions, the Boks are determined to receive answers on some of the recent breakdown calls. These answers will have some bearing on the next game, as the same teams will feature and the same group of officials will be on duty at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – although Andrew Brace will referee the match, with Hollie Davidson joining assistant referee Matthew Carley on the touchline. Feedback On Monday, the Boks made another strong statement on the matter when they sent laws and discipline adviser Jaco Peyper to the first media conference of the week. The former Test referee went out of his way to acknowledge the officials, before asking for clarity and consistency in their application of the laws. 'We think that Hollie and the rest of the team here in South Africa are good referees, and they're the type of referees who will give you feedback when you ask for feedback,' Peyper said. 'Regarding the weekend's game [at Loftus], there are one or two questions that we've raised. 'We respect the refs, we know that they go through their game reviews, and we are sure they will give us some honest feedback. 'That will put us all into a better position going into the next game.' The breakdowns were a mess in the latter stages of the first Test, with stray boots and hands edging the ball back towards the defensive side on numerous occasions. One could ask why a vastly experienced Bok team wasn't more street smart, or why they didn't exploit the refereeing interpretations to their benefit. Those who watched the game, of course, would have noted how the contest lacked rhythm and energy in the second half. Pressed for specifics, Peyper conceded that the management of the breakdown was the point of query. 'In rugby, when you carry dominant or when you tackle dominant, the little bit of grace sits with you. 'We have to make sure that we show the referee a picture that is easier to referee, and that we don't allow for too much interpretation or management. 'We need to know how we can adjust, and we need feedback – but it's a positive process, this is not bagging anyone. 'It's not about us being unhappy, it's a question of learning. We've got to make sure that we adjust to the referees. 'World Rugby sends out best practises [before the start of tournaments and international windows], and we need to know that we understand those correctly, and that we are training our players accordingly.' Some officials give a competing player a warning in order to keep the game flowing. Others are quick to penalise a player who is deliberately slowing the ball down at the ruck. Harsher As the interaction with Peyper progressed, it became clear that the Boks want the officials to be harsher on breakdown offenders in the coming match. 'It comes down to whether the ref sees an infringement, whether they ask the player to stop doing that, or whether the referee referees the infringement,' said Peyper. With regard to other areas of play, the Bok coaches and players admit that they were well below par at Loftus. Peyper went to bat for the officials as well as the opposition when it was suggested that Italians may have impeded in the lead-up to their maul-try in the second half. The Italy maul was set from some 20 metres out, yet the Boks – who pride themselves on this facet of play – failed to stop it. 'I don't think it's a law thing,' Peyper confirmed, 'It was just a really good maul by Italy that was poorly defended by us. 'That part of the game is part of our soul, so that was a big negative for us.' Bok prop Thomas du Toit – who was omitted from the lineup last week but looks set to play a role in the second Test – was equally honest about the team's shortcomings. 'We set high standards for ourselves in a match,' Du Toit said. 'When we review a game [as the Boks did on Monday morning], we compare ourselves to how we were the week before, and ask ourselves whether we were better. '[With regard to the last game] we have to look at ourselves in the mirror and say that we weren't. We've also got to acknowledge that Italy were very good.' The Bok team to play Italy will be announced at 3.15pm on Tuesday. DM
The South African
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Springboks v Italy: Female referee to take charge
Scottish referee Hollie Davidson became the first female match official to take charge of a Springbok Test last year against Portugal in Bloemfontein, and she now returns to South Africa for their first international encounter of the season against Italy. Davidson has become well known for her calm demeanour and strong communication, and she will be supported on Saturday by assistant referees Matthew Carley (England), Andrew Brace (England). Another Englishman Andrew Jackson will serve as the TMO. SA record against Italy: Played 16; Won 15; Lost 1; Points for: 764, Points against: 195; Tries scored 102, Tries conceded 16; Highest score 101-0; Biggest win 101 points. Win % 94%. Date: Saturday, July 5 Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Kick-off: 17:10 Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland) Assistant referees: Matthew Carley (England), Andrew Brace (England) TMO: Andrew Jackson (England) Commenting on what he expected against Italy, Springbok coach Erasmus said: 'They are a quality team with a strong pack and quality backs, and their passion for the team and their country is incredible, so we expect them to throw everything at us. 'They also play an exciting brand of rugby, so it will be important for us to stick to our structures and deliver a quality performance all around to get the desired result. 'We have a big squad, and we would like to balance the game time within the group, while at the same time maintaining continuity in selection, and we believe this is the team that will be best suited for what we want to achieve against Italy,' added Erasmus. 'We are also fortunate to have a few experienced players back from injury, who will be keen to make their mark in the game.' SPRINGBOKS – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Willie le Roux. Miscellaneous stats and facts: The Boks have played Italy seven times in South Africa, but this will be the first Test between the sides at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, where the hosts have a 78% win record (32 wins from 41 Tests). Eben Etzebeth will extend his record as the most capped Springbok to 132 caps when he takes the field. Damian Willemse will play his first match for the Springboks since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand, which the Boks won 12-11. Should Willie le Roux take the field, it will mark his 99 th Test match for the Springboks, putting him in line to become only the eighth Springbok centurion in history. He made his Test debut against Italy in Durban in 2013. Test match for the Springboks, putting him in line to become only the eighth Springbok centurion in history. He made his Test debut against Italy in Durban in 2013. The Springboks have faced Italy 16 times and won 15 of those matches. Their only defeat was in Florence in 2016 where Italy pipped the Boks by 20-18. In the 15 matches the Springboks have won against Italy, they only scored fewer than 30 points on three occasions. The total Test caps for the Springbok starting line-up is 738 . . There are 351 caps in the backline, with 377 caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further 466 caps. caps in the backline, with caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further caps. The average caps per player in the backline is 50, the forwards 47, while the players on the bench average 58. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Bath 37-12 Lyon: Johann van Graan's side seal second part of treble with European Challenge Cup final win over Lyon as Sam Underhill escapes red
Two down, one to go for Bath. An historic treble inches ever closer. This European Challenge Cup success followed March's Premiership Rugby Cup victory. Now, only the Gallagher Premiership – the holy grail for millionaire club owner Bruce Craig – remains outstanding. Win that and Bath's class of 2025 will seal their place in history. Bath are certainly favourites for the league title having already sealed a home semi-final. Winning three trophies in one season would be beyond Bath's wildest dreams. Here, they benefited from the decision making of referee Hollie Davidson to get the better of a resilient French side in Lyon. Davidson became the first woman to officiate a European final. But she should have sent Sam Underhill from the field for dangerous tackling in the first half. That she didn't amounted to a game-defining moment, allowing Bath to end a 17-year wait for a first European trophy. Davidson lacked control of the game, with Bath captain and player of the match Ben Spencer allowed to benefit to his team's advantage. It left Lyon not only beaten, but understandably frustrated. 'I'm grateful and incredibly happy for all the people of Bath,' said Bath head of rugby Van Graan, after his team recorded the biggest Challenge Cup final winning margin since 1998. 'I think Hollie had an excellent game. I'll stick with what the officials decide. The best is yet to come. I'm ecstatic for all involved. 'I've been coaching for 23 years but what happened was special. This is a champion team now. We'll try to get better and better. There are more things to conquer.' Spencer said: 'We speak a lot about working hard for each other. That's something we really pride ourselves on – when we go down to 14 men and how hard we want to fight. To not concede in that double yellow card period was outstanding. 'The togetherness in this group is absolutely unbelievable. Our boys showed a different level of intensity we haven't seen yet this season. 'I'm so proud to give the fans what they deserve after so many years of hurt.' Cardiff's Westgate Street was lined with Bath fans hours before kick-off, Van Graan's players choosing to walk to Principality Stadium from their city centre hotel to embrace the electric atmosphere. After years of misery, Bath's loyal supporters are now thirsty for success. They made Cardiff a cauldron and inside the ground, the roof nearly came off as Spencer led his team in a last pre-match lap. Lyon started quickest, however. Ethan Dumortier opened the scoring after his corner try was approved by TMO Mike Adamson. Finn Russell responded with a penalty. It was a scrappy opening. Will Butt charged through midfield. He couldn't find the killer pass, but it also didn't matter as hooker Tom Dunn soon barged over. Russell converted. Spencer kicked a 50:22. Slowly, Bath were getting on top and Max Ojomoh made it two. Underhill had been at the centre of Bath's power game, excelling on the flank. But when he collided head-on-head with Lyon's wonderful Georgian attacker, Davit Niniashvili, Underhill should have been shown a red card. There was no mitigation or excuse for him hitting Niniashvili so high. Davidson decided on showing yellow only, arguing there was mitigation as Niniashvili had changed direction. It was a clear nonsense and yet another reminder that while rugby continues to talk about protecting player welfare, it does not follow that with meaningful on-field action. Davidson then had to show the same card again, Will Muir joining Underhill in the sin bin for upending Dumortier in the air. With Bath down to 13, Lyon had to strike. Dumortier was at the heart of everything. He thought he'd made it a brace, but his effort from a long line-out throw was ruled out for blocking. It was salt in the wound for Lyon that it was a combination of Underhill and Ted Hill which stopped them scoring before the break. Russell kicked a penalty when the action resumed. But with Muir still in the sin bin, Arno Botha breathed life into Lyon's comeback. It didn't last long. Immediately after Van Graan introduced more power from the bench in the shape of Thomas du Toit, Guy Pepper and Alfie Barbeary, Beno Obano was driven over. When Spencer followed that with a try of his own after fine work by Tom de Glanville, it ended the game as a contest. Russell's third penalty only rubber stamped that. Bath just have too much brute force for most teams and it will be a surprise if they don't add a domestic crown to their burgeoning trophy cabinet in the weeks to come. Lyon coach Karim Ghezal said: 'We didn't score when they were down to 13. 'One of their yellow cards was rather dodgy. I will never complain about refereeing. 'Protection of the players is very important.'
The Guardian
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Spencer sparkles for Bath to overwhelm Lyon and win European Challenge Cup
Bath have been waiting a long time for nights like this. A first major trophy for 17 years – and only their second since they lifted the Heineken Cup back in 1998 – was also secured with a swagger reminiscent of the club's golden era. With the Premiership title still up for grabs next month, a potential treble-winning season is now within their grasp. While the Premiership Cup and the Challenge Cup might not, in isolation, be the most prestigious competitions in the professional club game there is no doubting Bath's increasing durability under screeching knock-out pressure. That said, they were lucky with a couple of contentious officiating calls which, had they gone the other way, might have made life appreciably harder. The awarding of only a yellow card to Sam Underhill rather than a red for a dangerous high challenge was just one of several contentious decisions for Hollie Davidson, the first female referee to officiate in a high-profile men's club final. In the end, though, Bath's familiar strength in depth off the bench paid its usual dividends and helped deliver four tries as they became the first English winners of this tournament for five years. French rugby does not have a total monopoly on power and tactical nous and when the outstanding Ben Spencer dived over to put his side clear early in the final quarter it was no less than Johann van Graan's team deserved. With the roof closed, the pitchside flame throwers at full blast and plenty of English supporters having made the short trip across the Severn Bridge, it certainly felt like a proper cup final, despite the minor caveat that Bath had trailed in fifth in their Champions Cup pool before entering this season's Challenge Cup equation. Lyon, appropriately clad in red, had also not read the West Country script. After just two minutes a slick passing sequence put their winger Ethan Dumortier over in the right corner and, after lengthy video scrutiny, the score was belatedly confirmed. The side currently lying in 11th place in the Top 14 can play some eye-catching rugby when the muse is with them. Bath, though, are a tough side to subdue indefinitely. Will Butt steamed clear through the middle to set up a prolonged spell of territorial pressure which, eventually, yielded a try for a burrowing Tom Dunn. Finn Russell's conversion made it 10-5 and, suddenly, the contest had a different feel. Spencer's left boot is also a tried and trusted tactical weapon and a raking 50-22 set up another promising position from which his side also profited. Again Spencer was at the heart of it, his long pass finding Max Ojomoh wide on the left and the centre's clever pirouette took him past the flat-footed cover. Any side containing a player of the pace and class of Davit Niniashvili, though, is never to be underestimated and the Georgian full-back duly set off on a daring surge which was only ended by a desperate upright tackle by Underhill. The England flanker was sent off by Davidson against Pau in the last 16 and was fortunate to receive only yellow this time. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion The same was true of Will Muir when he clattered Dumortier in the air to reduce Bath temporarily to 13 players. Lyon were also left frustrated when a slight nudge on Dunn in the buildup led to a potential try for Dumortier from a long lineout play being scrubbed out and the subsequent return of Underhill supplied some further Bath relief. Had Van Graan been offered a 12-point half-time lead in a pressure-laden final before kick-off, he would have snapped your hand off. Arno Botha's try four minutes after the restart, though, was a reminder that nothing could yet be guaranteed. Hence the roars when Beno Obano crashed over in the 50th minute to reestablish some daylight between the sides, with Russell's conversion leaving Lyon 15 points adrift. The gap grew wider when Tom de Glanville cut past a tiring defence and put Spencer away to seal a result that will further convince Bath that a seriously special season is brewing. It was also not an occasion Davidson will forget in a hurry, with the Scottish official firmly convinced there should be many more female referees at the top level of the men's game in future years. 'If you are are physically fit enough, mentally resilient, you know your stuff around the sport and have enough experience then there is nothing stopping women getting there. If you're good enough at your job, you're good enough at your job.' It is not her fault that rugby's high tackle regulations remain so open to interpretation.
