Australian rugby boss Phil Waugh has demanded an explanation from World Rugby about the decision to award the Lions’ series-clinching try on Saturday night.
The Wallabies were furious that referee Andrea Piardi did not disallow Huge Keenan’s 80th minute try for what they perceived to be an illegal clear-out by Jac Morgan on Carlo Tizzano.
Head coach Joe Schmidt pointed the finger at the match officials immediately after the match, questioning their ability to look after player safety.
Schmidt has been backed up by his bosses, although governing body officials are not expected to take action.
‘We’ve got the utmost respect in respecting the referee’s decision,’ said Waugh, the Rugby Australia CEO. ‘But I do think there’s a level of accountability and explanation that needs to come with that. And we look forward to that.
‘My response is absolutely identical to Joe’s comments in the press conference.
Australian rugby boss Phil Waugh has demanded an explanation from World Rugby about the decision to award the Lions’ series-clinching try
Australia’s Carlo Tizzano (left) pounces to compete over the ball at a last-gasp breakdown
British & Irish Lions’ Jac Morgan knocks Tizzano backwards, a move Australia said was illegal
Hugo Keenan’s 80th minute clinched a series win for the Lions over Australia with a match to spare
‘I played professionally for 13 years and Joe’s coached professionally for 20 years and both our views, and all those organisationally, are very aligned with what Joe talked to in that post-match press conference.
‘Probably the number one priority for World Rugby is player welfare and we’ve seen great progress made in that space, and in a lot of ways World Rugby lead world sport in protecting the safety of players.
‘So the progress the game globally has made can’t be underestimated. World Rugby should be very proud around their leadership position on player welfare.’
