England’s Eddie Jones has accused Wallabies coach Michael Cheika of trying to influence referee Ben O’Keeffe through the media.
New Zealand whistleblower O’Keeffe, at 28, is the youngest referee on the international circuit but Jones says he’s more than capable of handling such a high-profile fixture.
Jones was responding to claims made by Cheika on Friday that England deliberately target halfbacks with late hits.
“He’s an ophthalmologist and so he’ll be able to see anything. I might get my eyes checked by him!” Jones said.
“He has been on the touch when we’ve played and I met him as a young guy coming through.
“He’s a very good young ref and is only 28, which is younger than (England captain) Dylan Hartley, who might be able to give him a few tips about life.
“He’s a very competent, accurate and fit referee. He’s an intelligent guy and I’m sure he won’t be influenced by comments made in the press.”
Wallabies World Cup-wining coach Bob Dwyer also added fuel to the flames ahead of the marquee match of the spring tour by reiterating his claim that England props Joe Marler and Dan Cole’s scrummaging technique is illegal.
Dwyer first raised the point ahead of the 2015 World Cup encounter between the sides at Twickenham, a match Australia won to knock England out of the tournament on home soil.
“I am disappointed that he is a bit late,” Jones said of Dwyer.
“Bob normally comes earlier in the week but he has come later. It is all part of the fun and games of England/Australia Test matches.”
Jones also said he was perplexed by the claims made by Cheika on Thursday.
“We have played four games against them and had good referees in those games,” he said.
“He obviously feels the referees haven’t done a good job so possibly he should be taking that up with the referee, not the media.”
markie362
Guest
Lets worry about scotland first a d give them the respect they deserve
Kane
Guest
I'd like to see the All Blacks thrash them. And after Gatland claims that if it weren't for the All Blacks scoring more points than his team that Wales would have won, I'd like to see Hansen invite Gatland to spill the beans.
taylorman
Guest
Book sales boost as far as I'm concerned, sales rocket with that sort of publicity. Now everyone knows Gats has a new book out and its known because he say's 'nothing'...books will be sold when it turns out to be just that. By not responding I think the ABs are letting Gats have his little day in the sun.
Kane
Guest
I actually believe that an email I a better way than airing it in public. But I do agree that it should be sent to the opposition coach too. I really don't think Gatland has improved his chances of every being All Blacks coach this year. His latest revelation that he has explosive dirt on the All Blacks that he'll release if things get dirty certainly isn't going to gain favour with the NZRU.
Old Bugger
Guest
Gatland sent an email to Alan Rolland after the BIL's 1st test against the ABs complaining about the ABs tactics. Rolland it seems, passed those complaints onto Peyper, Poite and Garces, to be more vigilant across the paddock. The details of the exact nature of the complaints are known only to Gats and his staff plus, the referees panel. Gatland has confirmed an email, was sent except no-one from WR it seems, forwarded or notified Hansen and Co.
Kane
Guest
Who was that?
CHUCKED
Guest
Unfortunately most of Cheika's claims are rubbish pure and simple
Old Bugger
Guest
Well, at least Cheika's claims, are done publicly. Not like another coach, who writes emails to the WR's Director of Referees and complains, about the opposition's tactics. There are formalities, that coaches have to follow when it comes to discussions, with referees - just a pity this bloke, went about it differently.