IRB rules justify water break

A lot of questions have been raised as to why two 1 minute water breaks were taken, after twenty minutes of play in each half, during the Flying Fijians versus Junior All Blacks match on Friday.

According to the IRB Laws of the Game Rugby Union 2009, Law 5.7 sub-section (G) states that "when weather is exceptionally hot or humid, the referee at his discretion will be permitted to allow one water break in each half.

This water break should be no longer than 1 minute. Time lost should be added on at the end of each half. The water break should normally be taken after a score or when the ball is out of play near the half way line".

This is after revelations by Flying Fijians Manager Semi Rogoyawa that the interval was carried out as the French referee Romain Poite, could not cope with the conditions in Fiji and an agreement was reached after a meeting between the two teams.

The Flying Fijians return to camp today to prepare for the next match against Samoa on Saturday at Churchill Park.

The next round of matches takes place on Tuesday 23 June at Churchill Park, Samoa meet Tonga at 12:10pm before Japan face the Junior All Blacks at 3:10pm.