Does Bismarck throw a punch? No clarity on incident after hazy TMO footage: 'Outrageous'

Western Province captain Nama Xaba didn't bother hiding his frustration after veteran Bulls hooker Bismarck du Plessis got off scot-free for alleged foul play during Wednesday's north-south derby in the Currie Cup at Loftus Versfeld.

Xaba had a bird's eye view of the incident in the second half and insisted on referee Griffin Colby referring the incident to the TMO.

However, the only available camera angle was a grainy, long-distance shot of Du Plessis striking an obscured Province player, later revealed to have been lock Ben-Jason Dixon.

All the footage closer to the action had the former Springbok star out of view.

Does Bismarck throw a punch here? #CarlingCurrieCup pic.twitter.com/bBpLMWgciK

"It was disappointing, maybe even outrageous that they didn't have an angle on it," said Xaba following WP's 45-34 loss.

"I was right next to the incident and I saw a strike to the face of our lock Ben-Jason. I was really disappointed. The assistant referee did flag it initially, but I'm not sure about the process that followed. There was just no conclusive angle. I tried my best (to provide context) for the referees."

The openside flanker couldn't confirm whether it had been an open hand or closed fist, but stated that Dixon had a bruise on his right eye to show for his trouble.

"There's no place for that in the game," said Xaba.

"In the context of the game, the Bulls scored a try from that play when the incident should've warranted a yellow or red card. That would've reversed the try and perhaps given us the benefit of switched momentum."

WP head coach Jerome Paarwater was also hopeful that footage would be available to at least provide clarity on the incident.

"We definitely hope there's an angle available on Bismarck. If there is,