RUGBY’S rule book — and the application of the game’s laws — remains as confusing as ever after All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo somehow dodged a yellow card for a lifting tackle on Wallabies superstar Israel Folau.

It took just four minutes for the first Bledisloe Cup flashpoint as Naholo clearly lifted Folau above the horizontal but was saved by Folau putting out an arm to cushion his fall.

It was the type of incident that often goes unpunished in the NRL but is almost always a yellow in Super Rugby, particularly in the last season as World Rugby pushes hard for increased player safety.

Get 3 months free Sport HD + Entertainment on a 12 month plan and watch the 2018 Bledisloe Cup & 2018 Rugby Championship with no ad-breaks during play. T&Cs apply. SIGN UP NOW >

But experienced South African referee Jaco Peyper and his assistants came to the conclusion that it only merited a penalty, despite the protestations of Wallabies captain Michael Hooper.

Bullet dodged, Mr Naholo, while both coaches also had no issues with the call after the match.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said Naholo had no intent so “play on” while All Blacks boss Steve Hansen also praised the officials for their handling of the incident.

BLOODIED AND BRUISED: Wallabies’ All Bleak player ratings

WHAT NOW: Wallabies leaders face the music

FIVE THINGS: What we learnt from Bledisloe drubbing