Referees are an essential part of rugby, but some decisions live far longer in the memory than any try, tackle or trophy lift.
From World Cup heartbreak to Lions drama, these are the moments that sparked outrage, divided fans and left supporters arguing long after the final whistle.
10. Ben O'Keeffe's Breakdown Calls
France v South Africa (2023 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final)
One of the greatest matches ever played also produced one of the biggest refereeing controversies of the professional era. French supporters were left furious by several breakdown decisions made by Ben O'Keeffe as South Africa edged a thrilling one-point victory.
9. Sam Warburton's Red Card
Wales v France (2011 Rugby World Cup Semi-Final)
With Wales chasing their first World Cup final appearance since 1987, captain Sam Warburton was sent off after just 18 minutes by referee Alain Rolland for a dangerous tackle on Vincent Clerc.
The decision remains one of the most debated red cards in rugby history.
8. The Lions' Phantom Penalty
South Africa v British & Irish Lions (1974)
The legendary unbeaten Lions tour featured plenty of controversy, but few moments caused as much debate as a crucial penalty decision that helped shape the outcome of the series.
More than 50 years later, South African fans still dispute the call.
7. The Greatest Try Never Scored
New Zealand v Wales (1978)
Welsh supporters remain convinced they were denied one of the greatest tries rugby has ever seen.
With the line at their mercy, New Zealand lock Andy Haden intervened in controversial fashion, preventing a score that many believe should have stood.
6. The 2017 Lions Series Decider
The final moments of the drawn third Test between New Zealand and the British & Irish Lions remain one of rugby's strangest refereeing moments.
Referee Romain Poite initially awarded the All Blacks a match-winning penalty after a mistake from Lions hooker Ken Owens.
After consulting his assistants, Poite remarkably reversed the decision and awarded a scrum instead, allowing the Lions to secure a historic drawn series.
5. Wayne Barnes and the Forward Pass
New Zealand v France (2007 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final)
Ask any All Blacks supporter about controversial refereeing decisions and this one will usually be near the top.
A pass from Yannick Jauzion appeared clearly forward before France scored the decisive try. Referee Wayne Barnes did not spot it, and New Zealand crashed out of the tournament.
4. France Feel Robbed
New Zealand v France (2011 Rugby World Cup Final)
France pushed the hosts all the way in Auckland but left convinced they had been denied a fair shot at glory.
Several key decisions from referee Craig Joubert came under intense scrutiny as New Zealand held on for an 8-7 victory.
Many French fans still regard it as one of the most controversial World Cup finals ever played.
3. Mark Cueto's Disallowed Try
England v South Africa (2007 Rugby World Cup Final)
England trailed by just six points when wing Mark Cueto dived into the corner seemingly to score a crucial try.
After lengthy review, the TMO ruled that Cueto had brushed the touchline before grounding the ball.
England fans have been debating the decision ever since and many believe it altered the outcome of the final.
2. Scotland's World Cup Heartbreak
Australia v Scotland (2015 Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final)
Few decisions have generated as much anger as the penalty awarded against Scotland in the dying moments of this World Cup quarter-final.
Referee Craig Joubert penalised Scotland for what appeared to be an accidental offside after an Australian knock-on.
Bernard Foley kicked the winning points and Scotland were eliminated.
To make matters worse, World Rugby later confirmed the decision was incorrect.
1. The Spear Tackle That Wasn't
British & Irish Lions v New Zealand (2005 Second Test)
Nothing tops this list.
Just moments into the second Test, Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll was lifted and driven head-first into the turf by All Blacks pair Tana Umaga and Keven Mealamu.
No red card was shown. O'Driscoll's tour was effectively over.
More than two decades later, many Lions supporters still regard it as the greatest refereeing failure in rugby history.
NAME EVERY ENGLAND CAPTAIN OF THE PROFESSIONAL ERA:
Since rugby turned professional in 1995, England have had a host of captains lead the team through World Cups, Grand Slams, Lions tours and some of the biggest moments in the sport's history.
From World Cup-winning legends to short-term stand-ins, how many England captains of the professional era can you name?
You have five minutes to name them all. Good luck!?
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