Hook penalty case is closed

WORLD Cup organisers say “correct protocol” was followed by the match officials during the clash between Wales and South Africa in Wellington over a disputed James Hook penalty kick.

Wales full-back Hook’s 14th-minute strike appeared to go over successfully, but assistant referees Vinny Munro and George Clancy kept their flags down. Wales went on to lose the Pool D thriller 17-16.

“Under protocol, the referee may consult the assistant referees or the television match official (TMO),” said tournament organisers. “The match official team felt at the time that there was no need to consult the TMO as they were confident that the kick was not successful.”