Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron has been praised for handling a tense situation with Sharks captain Bongi Mbonambi during the Vodacom URC derby against the Lions at Emirates Airline Park.

The struggling Sharks were trailing 19-10 towards the end of the first half when they thought they had narrowed the gap when fly-half Siya Masuku sent full-back Aphelele Fassi over for a try.

However, TMO Ben Crouse brought an earlier infringement to the attention of referee Barrett-Theron, as Sharks prop Nthutuko Mchunu entered a breakdown in the side and leading with the shoulder, in the phase just before the try.

Barrett-Theron correctly ruled out the try, much to Mbonambi’s displeasure and the Bok hooker was initially disinterested in an explanation from the referee – walking away when she had called both captains to explain her decision.

However, Barrett-Theron then called Mbonambi in for a one-on-one chat, de-escalating the situation excellently.

The former Springbok Women back said: “Bongi, can you walk with me please, this way?” before going on to say, “Bongi may I speak please? Listen, I fully respect you and who you are, and I am well aware that all of your players have probably played more games than I have refereed in the URC.

“But we are on the same field so if you could show me the same respect that I show you, that would be very much appreciated.”

That seemed to calm Mbonambi, as he seemingly changed tact and asked Barrett-Theron: “They are just looking to me for answers, so was it foul play?” with Barrett-Theron responding: “Yes, that was foul play.”

 

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The Sharks would go on to suffer a 40-22 loss, which has left John Plumtree’s side continuing their run at the bottom of the Vodacom URC table, with sevens rounds left to play.