Referee review: Hollie Davidson nails big calls in epic Rugby World Cup final

Scottish referee Hollie Davidson and Welsh TMO Ben Whitehouse were criticised for their handling of some crucial moments in the Rugby World Cup final. The Black Ferns beat the All Blacks 34-31 at Eden Park on Saturday night. Davidson was an assistant referee in 2017 and was whistling at a World cup for the first time.

Lydia Thompson was sent off for reckless action in the 18th minute. England were 14-0 up at the time. The red card was upheld by referee Hollie Davidson.   The officials are bound by the World Rugby's head contact process.

Kennedy Simon was sent off for a high tackle on Abby Dow. The head contact was not direct, so it was only a yellow card offence. This allowed the Black Ferns to have their full complement of 15 players.

Hollie Davidson made big decisions in Rugby World Cup final. New Zealand won the match after a lineout call was overturned. Ayesha Leti-I'iga's try was the winner. The match finished 31-29.

Whitehouse was allowed to overturn the decision on the lineout. TMOs were given more scope by World Rugby to "promote quicker, accurate decision-making" from July this year. All decisions relating to touch/touch-in-goal are on a list they are allowed. Whitehouse only had time to look at the replays because England were taking their time form the set piece.

The Black Ferns were penalised twice for collapsing an England maul. The second penalty try was for Joanah Ngan-Woo, the reserve lock, playing England lock Abbie Ward in the air. It was smart defensive work by Nghana-woo to sack the lineout. England won the Rugby World Cup final. They didn't score a penalty. There was no penalty for England. World Rugby's laws state that a try is awarded if foul play by the opposing team prevents a probable try from being scored.