In an incident Wallabies coach Michael Cheika admits you rarely see, replacement halfback Nick Phipps gave away a crucial penalty at Twickenham for shoving the Argentina team doctor to the deck.
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The bizarre moment occurred during a break in play as several Wallabies were being attended to before a scrum, and the medic appeared to be trying to intercept a ball being thrown in to Phipps by the ball boys.
When the medic reached for the ball first, Phipps pushed the stunned support staff member who crashed to the ground sparking the all-in brawl.
Phipps’ shove of the high-vis-vest-wearing medic drew an immediate and angry response from the Pumas players, who ran from across the field for retribution – with winger Matias Moroni knocking the Australian to the turf.
The incident was replayed several times on the big screen and ultimately Argentina was awarded a crucial penalty – in place of the scrum feed Australia were due to have – which reduced the Wallabies’ lead to four.
Argentina coach Daniel Hourcade insists he, nor his support team, saw the incident but it left Cheika bemused.
“No one (from the Argentina team) was injured, and Nick’s probably trying to get ball – I’m really not sure what is going through anyone’s mind to be honest,” Cheika said.
“I think the ref dealt with it on the field, in the way he thought was best.
“I wasn’t quite sure about the penalty.”
Cheika said it was a rarity to see such actions on the field, but pointed out that assistant coach Nathan Grey copped a push mid-match by England’s fullback during the mid-year Tests when a ball had been kicked into touch.
“It happens once in a blue moon. It’s not something that anyone needs to prepare for,” Cheika said.
“It shouldn’t happen. That’s just the way it was. He (the medic) was out there, the ball went out to him and he got in the way.”
kelefua
Guest
The coach didn't see anything wrong with it so why shoulds Phipps or any Wallaby player/fan for that matter? Like Cheika says "it's the Australian way"
Bakkies
Guest
Moroni wasn't retaliating.
Bakkies
Guest
He had a Read like smug grin on his face.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Is this comment for real? Or is this a bad joke?
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Pushed him from behind....
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
I second that, Ruck. And I am disappointed at PeterK's cynicism.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Phipps could have alerted the Medic he was behind. He does have a voice, doesn't he? Or he only uses it to complain to the ref?
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Maybe Donald's behavior is the inspiration for Cheika.
Dontcallmeshirley
Guest
You have never seen any Australian team show as much poor sportsmanship as these Wallabies?? Obviously not a cricket watcher!
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
I can't believe PeterK, who seems like a rational guy, defending Phipps. He pushed the medic from behind. Some weeks before, he threw away the boots. This person needs some serious guidance. He then had a petulant smirk to Moroni instead of apologizing and acknowledging his mistake. This was a SCRUM, nothing else, no sense of urgency to play the ball. Even if the Medic was incorrect in attempting to get it, I am sure it was instinctive when it came towards him and he knew it was a SCRUM To compare it with Grey is cynicism.
Gustavo
Guest
I agree with you 100%. Autralian rugby is much more than this guy Congrats, great match!!!
Hoy
Roar Guru
Appalling call or a ref calling offside, which it simply appeared to be?
Hoy
Roar Guru
Righto... Every team has been stuffed by refs at one time or another. In tournament football, good teams get beaten. If you fully believe that the All Blacks can never ever be beaten, then good luck to you. They are very good, but they can still be beaten at times. It doesn't have to be a conspiracy.
ClarkeG
Guest
Ed Morrison not Clive Norling?
ClarkeG
Guest
over the top Ruck.
ClarkeG
Guest
I said push. Does shove have a different meaning? What should he have done..see above.
CUW
Guest
@ soapit i would rather like to see his thought process channeled to deliver a better pass. that would help the auzzy team much more than cowardly acts , that belong in WWE :)
Akari
Roar Rookie
Maybe because the 'mistakes' are adding up to others already done (stripping and throwing Fek's boot for eg only 4 tests back) and still no lessons learned. And probably also because he also picked on an older and more vulnerable person than him by showing the world how tough Phippsy is.
ClarkeG
Guest
To Bakkies - He could have stood between the two but he pushed Phipps to the ground then pushed him again and then again whilst the asst ref was trying to keep them apart. If he had put as much effort into his missed tackle on Kerevi in the 38m he might have been of far greater use to his team. Agree on Phipps behaviour.
Ruck
Guest
I forgot to mention the "bounce" that normally comes with a change of leadership which is where Australia got most of their results. And again the appalling decision against Scotland (another IRB conspiracy perhaps? What chance did Argentina or Scotland have of beating the AB's).. Yes, Australia won the RC'p. No denying that and well done. I'm just saying they did so with a nice draw and a major distraction. Reality returned the following week.