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After the Wallabies victory in Brisbane, the following comments were reported: “We can’t go public about certain things because we don’t have all the evidence, but the body language of certain officials when things went against us in that game made us worry.”
And: “It doesn’t matter if we ask for an explanation of the scrum rules. The problem is pointed out but is not officiated properly by the referee and the other officials on the field. The officials were so happy when decisions went against us on the day. I am talking about the number one rugby team in the world. Shouldn’t they really get the other guys to that level?”
Guess who? Peter de Villers.
If that is not an allegation of cheating against referee and touch judges, well I’m not a good judge. What an extraordinary outburst.
The referee was Wayne Barnes (Eng). Before the match Dick Muir (Springbok assistant coach) said Barnes was a well credentialled referee and his side was confident he would control the scrums well.
Bryce Lawrence (NZ) was one of the assistant referees last Saturday. De Villiers did not allege any improper conduct of him when he reffed the first Test against the Lions recently.
You may recall the Bok scrum demolished the Lions pack that day. Funny how Lawrence reffed the scrums so well then but not the other night.
Vinny Munro (NZ) was an assistant referee in the Lions games as well as last Saturday. A justifiably well respected man.
London to a brick, de Villiers’ risible tirade is not indicative of Bok fans’ feelings. Team supporters of the team on the wrong end of the scoreboard will always have some gripe about a referee.
That’s only human. But to assert a conspiracy?
De Villiers defamed three men whose integrity was questioned, without any evidence. He already has one IRB fine. Perhaps he deserves another.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.