South Africa captain Siya Kolisi says Australian referee Nic Berry didn’t give him as much respect as he showed to British and Irish Lions counterpart Alun Wyn Jones in the first Test last weekend in Cape Town.
The World Cup-winning skipper’s comment on Friday backed up the initial claim by South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus on Thursday that Berry had treated Kolisi differently from Jones.
Kolisi’s comments came after Rugby Australia had jumped to the defence of its referee Berry, calling the comments from Erasmus in a long video full of grievances “unacceptable and against the spirit and values of the game.”
Speaking on the eve of Saturday’s second Test at Cape Town Stadium, Kolisi said: “I didn’t feel respected and I feel I wasn’t given a fair opportunity.”
The Springboks lost the first Test 22-17, and the performance of Berry and his fellow match officials has overshadowed the build-up all week.
The persistent attacks of Erasmus, including his extraordinary 62-minute video, have drawn adverse reaction from World Rugby and Rugby Australia.
The match officials rotate this week, with Berry running the touchline to assist New Zealand referee Ben O’Keeffe. Mathieu Raynal, of France, is the other assistant, and South African official Marius Jonker the TMO again.
(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
“I’m looking forward to a new game and a new referee,” Kolisi said.
“I think Ben will give a fair opportunity for both captains, and that’s all we’re asking.”
Kolisi was further pressed by a journalist as to how he felt disrespected but replied that he “didn’t want to get into it.”
Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, sitting beside Kolisi, defended the captain, insisting the discussion around the officials’ performance should have been nipped in the bud by World Rugby before the series when the Lions last week were reportedly angered by Jonker’s appointment as the television match official.
The South African was a late replacement for New Zealand’s Brendon Pickerill, who could not travel because of the pandemic.
Stick suggested that calling out Erasmus for his social media analysis of the first Test defeat was a double standard, as Lions coach Warren Gatland had fumed at the lack of a neutral alternative to Pickering.
“World Rugby’s integrity was challenged by another human being when Marius Jonker was appointed as the TMO,” Stick said.
“That appointment was publicly challenged by the coach of the other team and until today, I haven’t heard any statement about him apologising for that.
“If Rassie gets into trouble for what he said on social media, the gentleman who challenged the integrity of the game when he challenged the appointment of the TMO destroyed the dignity of the series and challenged World Rugby’s integrity.”
The exchanges between the sides have only added spice to a series that the Lions could clinch on Saturday.
Earlier, Lions’ assistant coach Robin McBryde dismissed the Erasmus complaints as nothing more than a “sideshow.”
“The officials have got a tough job to do, but we were really happy with Nic Berry last Saturday. I don’t think it will be any different this week either,” said McBryde.
World Rugby said on Thursday it was asking SA Rugby about Erasmus.
Armadillo
Roar Rookie
Couldn't agree more.
Scoob
Roar Rookie
I think you should delete this post. You're bringing something into the discussion that doesn't need to be here. Your statement in itself is racist.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Nice.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
It certainly is a shame that Rassie has opened this can of worms. I wonder if he feels vindicated after last night.
Double Agent
Guest
Wm is Scottish?
Muglair
Roar Rookie
In truth probably more interesting than the 2nd test.
BlouBul
Roar Rookie
I'm happy for you.
Hoy
Roar Guru
And bulk majority of us thought Cheika was a fool, and dreadful the way he carried on.
Guess
Roar Rookie
Jeez watch wallabies last game before embarrassing yourself. They took bad refering on a chin and won against the odds they didn't need a video to win
Ill get the video on so we can watch it together.
Sick of their crap.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Same. In the first test, as a neutral, I was hoping the SA fairtale could continue from the WC. Now not so much. Let's play the game on the field, not off it.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Bottom line is that Kolesi is less experienced than AWJ and hence was not as assertive in putting his view forward. I didn't sense any less respect from Berry... AWJ out-captained Kolesi in his comms with the ref. That's all.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Yes Harry...but still did not reach this new low of SA...that is how low Erasmus has gone.
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
CPM oh I sure can – Unintentional or not it’s pretty clear what either one of them was saying. But, in today’s world of divisive speech where did they think a comment like that was going to take them?
Greco Dominicus
Roar Rookie
18 points and two tries to nil mean you can't look at the officials Kolbie is never a red. What van der Merwe did was the definition of foul play, we not playing soccer. Especially after he concussed Pieter Steph with an irresponsible tackle. Thought the Lions should have got one or two scrum penalties. In my view the officials never favoured the boks, just treated both teams the same - which was not the case last week, but I digress. Atleast we gonna get a decider
WEST
Roar Guru
Boks win! Will we get two hour special on the refs this week Rassie? I won’t hold my breath :laughing: whinging does pay :thumbup:
Andrew
Guest
What a petty little boy. You and rassie would make great friends.
Andrew
Guest
What evidence do you have to back up this nonsense statement? When has kolisi been a victim of racism?
Pieter
Guest
Not hoping, I know they’re going to win????????