The Brumbies are still fuming after referee Steve Walsh failed to award a try that they were certain they had scored in their 19-12 loss to the Waratahs in the Super 14 on the weekend. They have since called for Walsh to be stood down for the next match.
The game itself was pretty dull with not too much to talk about, except for the friction and bickering between Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles and referee Walsh.
Hoiles found himself penalised a few times with what he called rubbish calls, and then Walsh failed to award a try to Adam Ashley-Cooper, despite it looking like a sure thing. He deemed that it was a double movement, and was happy with his call.
The Brumbies have since called for Walsh to be replaced as ref ahead of their meeting with the Reds on Saturday.
There will be a review today with the promotion and relegation system taking place.
“We’ll wait and see whether he’s the referee,” said Brumbies coach Andy Friend.
“That’s up to the selectors to give their view and we can only deal with what we see and I thought the first 30 minutes it wasn’t a very even contest,” he added.
Flyhalf Matt Giteau wasnt quite as reserved, landing himself in hot water with what could be a suspension and a hefty fine for being so outspoken.
“Mate, I don’t know if we will turn up (if Walsh is referee) – what’s the point? Like anyone that knows rugby, that was a try,” he said.
Players contracts have a clause that stipulates that theyre not allowed to publicly criticise a referee or assistant refs handling of the game. We saw that with former Reds coach Eddie Jones in 2007, when he was fined $10, 000 for having a go at referee Matt Goddard.
Sean Fitzpatrick and Michael Lynagh both seemed to think the try should have been awarded to Ashley-Cooper. What are your thoughts try or no try?
Time:
02:36
Sign In