Controversy surrounds Specman concussion call: 'We should've stopped play'

Cheetahs assistant coach Charl Strydom believes referee Morne Ferreira and his assistant erred in a potentially dangerous manner by not immediately halting play when winger Rosko Specman sustained a clear, immediate concussion during the side's Currie Cup victory over Western Province on Wednesday evening.

The former Blitzboks legend suffered the nasty blow in the 68th minute when he attempted to mark his direct opponent, Angelo Davids, only to come close to being knocked out cold.

Play was bafflingly allowed to continue, with the Cheetahs turning over possession and launching a fine counter-attack before Province hit back and rounded off a great score through Davids.

The sight of Specman somehow picking himself up and attempting another tackle - only to be easily sidestepped - was pretty galling.

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"I definitely think the referee should've stopped proceedings immediately," said Strydom following the 24-17 win.

"If you look at the protocols around head injuries, they blow the whistle immediately when an incident of that nature occurs. Also, if protocol had been implemented, Province wouldn't have scored the try that brought them back into the game.

"But I definitely believe [play should've been stopped] straight away for Rosko's safety."

WATCH | Specman almost knocked out cold, referee criticised for not stopping play

Strydom also confirmed that Specman would definitely need to immediately follow the standard return-to-play protocol, which means he probably won't be available for next week's crucial meeting with the Sharks in Durban.

The Specman incident was merely the zenith of