Mostert red card should've been yellow – former international ref Andre Watson

For the second consecutive Saturday, South Africa were reduced to 14 men, this time against Italy.

Referee James Doleman red-carded lock Franco Mostert for an alleged dangerous tackle on Italian fly-half Paolo Garbisi in the 11th minute.

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Despite the Springboks powering to a 32-14 victory, many analysts are slamming the officials' decision.

Initially, on-field officials opted for a yellow card, but with additional input from the TMO, a red card was given.

Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick have raised questions about the fairness of the decision-making.

“Once again, as a team, we’re just disappointed with how things are. At the moment, week by week, we’re losing players, and it’s sad that everyone was looking forward to the Italy game, and for it to turn out the way it did is just disappointing,” said Stick after the game.

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Speaking to CapeTalk’s John Maytham, former international rugby referee Andre Watson says a full-on red should not have been given.

“He didn’t hit the guy on the head; he came in on the neck area, but World Rugby covers the head and neck as the same area.

“Referees and TMOs are not supposed to look at the intent, but you can read on facts. And the fact is that he hit the guy in a dangerous area with the shoulder without trying to grasp.

“[Mostert] should have been a yellow card referred to the bunker, and they’ve got eight minutes or more to look at it, and then they can decide."

To listen to Watson in conversation with CapeTalk’s Clarence Ford, click below: