Johan Goosen 'rugby Incident' Red Card Changed Outcome Of Bulls V Munster, Says Jake White

While Jake White feels the Johan Goosen red card made the game turn a different angle, he agrees that it was a difficult decision to make as the Bulls took a blow to their United Rugby Championship hopes with Saturdays 27-22 defeat to Munster at Loftus Versfeld.

The Bulls had just taken a 22-17 lead through Johan Grobbelaars try in the 50th minute, but then the big moment of the match came when Welsh referee Adam Jones sent Goosen off for a dangerous tackle.

Grobbies! 🐂 The @Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby lead 👊 #BULvMUN | @Vodacom #URC | #RaceToTheEight pic.twitter.com/B7tyTh3i5J

The former Springbok flyhalf had gone in to tackle Munster replacement scrumhalf Craig Casey near a breakdown. Goosen had tried to close down Caseys pass, but instead, the Munster halfback dummied, which saw the two players heads clashing, and they immediately went down to the ground in what seemed to be an unfortunate collision.

Both players went off for HIA tests, but referee Jones consulted with TMO Craig Evans, and felt that there was no mitigation for Goosen.

And not only was the Bulls pivot red-carded, but a try to Canan Moodie who had picked up the loose ball and raced away to dot down in the right corner was ruled out as well.

I thought we were actually getting back into the game, and I got the feeling that they were hanging on a bit, White said afterwards.

And, had that try been given (to Canan Moodie), and the ref thought that it was a rugby incident (with Goosens tackle), then all of a sudden were four tries in, looking like were getting onto a bit of momentum.

Thats why I said its such a difficult one, because I understand that they are trying to make the game safer. They dont want concussions.

One week, you might be fortunate when a referee says Look, that was a rugby incident, or like that one (Kurt-Lee Arendse tackled by Luke McGrath against Leinster) was a yellow card, even though he knocked Kurt-Lee like that.

Sometimes youve got to take the rough with the smooth. I definitely think it changed the outcome of the game. I definitely think it made the game turn a different angle.

Had that been later on in the game and we were far ahead, then people dont see the importance of that thats what makes it so hard and difficult for a coach, because you almost sense that there are certain key moments in a game that if they go for you or dont go for you, then you could up winning or losing game.

Margins are so small. There was a trip on Kurt-Lee when he tried to step some guy. Two weeks ago, it might have been said thats a yellow card.

There was a time when they tackled Kurt-Lee high in one of those carries he had, and two weeks ago, maybe they would have said Lets have a look at that again.

At the end of the day, you probably win some and lose some, and youve got to accept that.

But as I said, he came running in and the guy was trying to pass the ball upright as a nine... I wonder if that nine was down passing, whether he wouldve defended that differently?

You cant change it, and at the end of the day, its another hearing this week, which is also disruptive last week was a hearing with Cameron (Hanekom). Thats also a thing that detracts from preparing properly for the week.

The Bulls, though, were far from their best, with a slow start in the first half compounded by unnecessary mistakes in the second.

They wasted a few attacking lineout opportunities, tried to force too many offloads when another carry and ruck wouldve been the better option, and didnt address the gamesmanship tactics from the URC defending champions with Irish veteran Peter OMahony to the fore in that regard.

And of course, Springbok lock RG Snyman pulled off a few typically dynamic offloads and charges forwards, while also stealing a few Bulls lineouts.

We got a great turnover (near the Bulls 22), and then we try to move the ball and Wilco (Louw) knocked it on, White said.

Now, its not his fault... I mean, we got a great turnover, we got the ball back after they were climbing at our line, and then we go and give them a scrum back there again.

Thats not how weve been... Weve been quite good at understanding how to get out of our half and tonight, we werent. We put ourselves under pressure at times. That scrum actually led to a try.

RG ?? returns to Loftus with a try 👀 HT | @Munsterrugby lead by 7?? at Loftus! #BULvMUN | @Vodacom #URC | #RaceToTheEight pic.twitter.com/uKt3vsrrFP

Then right on halftime, knocking the ball out of the nines hands, its another three points. Now, if you take out 10 points, then were in the game.

So, I suppose Im just frustrated because thats not how good we are, and I think the players understand that.

So, its no use me telling them something they