Roigard accused of diving after Reinach tip-tackle incident draws South African fury

All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard has been accused of simulation following a contentious incident with Springboks scrumhalf Cobus Reinach late in the first half, in which Reinach flipped Roigard over aggressively after the New Zealander attempted a tackle at the base of a scrum.

Roigard had moved in to tackle Reinach without realising referee Nika Amushukeli had already blown for a penalty try. When Roigard backed off, Reinach grabbed and upended him, leaving Roigard landing awkwardly. The All Blacks were awarded a penalty from the restart, but no card was issued against Reinach.

Former Springbok midfielder Jean de Villiers was pointed in his commentary assessment. “A lot has been said about gamesmanship, and I will call it out there. This game of ours is a pride one. Taking a dive. Yes, Reinach kind of ripped him backwards but it was certainly not a tip-tackle. A penalty at most,” de Villiers said.

The reaction on social media was swift and largely unsympathetic toward Roigard. South African fans compared him to Brazilian footballer Neymar, while former Springbok Rob Louw posted a photo of Roigard alongside Australia scrumhalf Nic White — a player who has attracted similar accusations in the past — holding Oscar trophies. “A similar club both 9s,” Louw wrote, referencing the incident alongside a dig at the All Blacks’ historical reputation for gamesmanship.

This is not the first time Roigard has faced such criticism in 2026. During a Super Rugby match against the Blues, Roigard stayed down following an aerial collision with Beauden Barrett until a penalty was awarded, then immediately jumped to his feet and took a quick tap while Blues forwards were still checking on him. The moment drew widespread condemnation from rugby supporters at the time.

The latest incident adds a sharp edge to the broader debate around simulation in rugby union — a sport that has traditionally prided itself on physical honesty. Whether World Rugby will address the issue through its officiating guidelines remains to be seen, but the scrutiny on Roigard is unlikely to fade quickly.