Here comes the White Card

The White Card was introduced into the competition for the inaugural 2008 Final between Maties and Ikeys before being put on the back burner, only to be re-introduced for the 2015 season.

It allows either the coach or the captain to review a decision by the referee and both sides will be able to use it once per half. Should a side be successful in their usage of the card, they will retain it and could use it to query another decision in the half. However, should they fail in their appeal, they will play out the remainder of the half without being able to lodge a query.

"The White Card rule is another one of the innovative rules Varsity Cup has implemented. Varsity Cup is all about exciting, running rugby, high-intensity matches, fair play, and a top quality production.

"Our aim is to ensure everyone at the game or watching on TV has a memorable experience," Varsity Cup Manager, Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi said.

Maties will host the first semi-final (kick-off at 16.45, 14.45 GMT) against UJ at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch while log leaders UP-Tuks entertain UFS-Shimlas at the Tuks Stadium in Pretoria at 19.00 (17.00 GMT).

How the White Card review system works:

• Each team will receive two cards marked "Half One" and "Half Two".
• If the captain wants to review an incident, he will request that the referee show the White Card.
• However, the review has to be specific and no general reviews will be allowed.
• Should a coach review an incident, he will ask the TMO to inform the referee of the White Card request.
• The coach will then convey his specific referral to the TMO via radio contact.
• Afterwards, the TMO will inform the referee of the challenge, and the referee will then, at the next stoppage of play, raise a white card to indicate that a request for a review was lodged.