While it did not affect the outcome of the match, referee Mike Fraser’s decision to disallow Dalton Papalii’s try following witty gamesmanship from Aaron Smith in the buildup came under scrutiny.
Fraser initially awarded Papalii’s try before reversing his decision after deeming Blues prop Karl Tu’inukuafe to have impeded Smith – when replays showed the Highlanders scrumhalf attempting to persuade Fraser to award a penalty in his team’s favour.
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⚽️ / 🏉 ?
Dalton Papalii was denied a 70m intercept try because Aaron Smith dived.
Should the try have stood? What are your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/aAZg4j4qyh
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) August 2, 2020
Watch the incident in question below
