Latest news with #Turinui
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
‘Referees were too weak': Enraged Wallabies cry foul over controversial Lions win
Wallabies legends and coaches slammed referees for allowing a controversial Lions try that sealed Australia's series defeat in Melbourne. Former Wallabies centre Morgan Turinui blasted the match officials for lacking the courage to penalise a dangerous clean-out in the build-up to the British and Irish Lions' series-clinching try on Saturday. With the second Test locked in a dramatic final minute, Lions fullback Hugo Keenan crossed to secure a 2-0 series lead at the MCG. But Wallabies players and coaches fumed after flanker Carlo Tizzano appeared to be cleaned out illegally by Lions captain Jac Morgan. Tizzano clutched his neck after the collision, suggesting clear head or neck contact, which should have triggered a penalty under World Rugby law. Referee Andrea Piardi and TMO Eric Gauzins reviewed the incident but let the try stand, ruling there was no foul play involved. Turinui, calling the match for Nine, accused the officials of cowardice and claimed the Wallabies had been robbed of a deserved result. 'The end is a penalty to the Wallabies, and the referees were too weak to give it,' Turinui said in frustration. 'They've got it wrong, and it's cost the Wallabies the series. It's a terrible decision that decides this match.' Wallabies captain Michael Hooper echoed Turinui's sentiment, saying the decision went against the letter of the law in the match's dying moments. 'If that was minute one, it's a penalty,' Hooper told Nine. 'From minute one to 79, that's the same law. Period.' Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt didn't hold back either, directing attention to Law 9.20, which covers neck contact and player safety. 'Just look at Law 9.20,' Schmidt said post-match. 'The referees didn't do their duty to protect player welfare. They got it wrong.' According to World Rugby's own definition, clean-outs involving neck or head contact must be penalised, with potential yellow or red cards issued. Tizzano's reaction, grabbing his neck, pointed to clear contact above the shoulders, yet the officials chose not to act. Wallabies No 8 Harry Wilson declined to comment directly but hinted at outrage, saying he wasn't in the right emotional space to respond. The decision has sparked immediate controversy and calls for greater consistency and courage from officials in high-stakes moments. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Ex-Wallabies slam 'weak' refs over series-deciding call
Former Wallabies centre Morgan Turinui has blasted "weak" referees over the controversial decision that confirmed Australia's heart-breaking series defeat to the British and Irish Lions. Lions fullback Hugo Keenan scored the match-winning try in the final minute of the second Test at the MCG, after Wallabies flanker Carlo Tizzano appeared to have been illegally cleaned out in the build-up. Tizzano looked to have been hit high and recoiled holding his neck. TMO Eric Gauzins and referee Andrea Piardi reviewed Lions flanker Jac Morgan's clean-out but ruled there was no foul play, allowing the try to stand. Turinui, who played 20 Tests for the Wallabies, was adamant it should have been ruled out. "The end is a penalty to the Wallabies and the referees were too weak to give it," Turinui said on Nine. "The referees have got it wrong and it's cost the Wallabies survival in the series. "The British and Irish Lions lead this series 2-0. It was brave to come back from them, but it is a terrible decision that decides this match." Ex-England and Lions skipper Martin Johnson took a contrasting view, but former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper agreed with Turinui. "I can see what the referee's saying but there's a penalty there, whether it's on head, on neck or whether he's going straight off his feet to ground," Hooper said on Nine. "I would say if that was minute one it's a penalty and it was deserved to be awarded and the try overturned. "If you're refereeing or judging by the letter of the law, minute one to minute 79 it doesn't matter." Johnson disagreed. "I didn't think there was enough there for a penalty that would change the game," he said on Nine. "You have to be very, very sure to change the game on a ref's decision. "I thought it wasn't a penalty." Wallabies captain Harry Wilson was in no mood to discuss the incident when he was asked about it minutes after the match. "I'm probably not in the right emotional state to talk about that," Wilson said on Nine.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Ex-Wallabies slam 'weak' refs over series-deciding call
Former Wallabies centre Morgan Turinui has blasted "weak" referees over the controversial decision that confirmed Australia's heart-breaking series defeat to the British and Irish Lions. Lions fullback Hugo Keenan scored the match-winning try in the final minute of the second Test at the MCG, after Wallabies flanker Carlo Tizzano appeared to have been illegally cleaned out in the build-up. Tizzano looked to have been hit high and recoiled holding his neck. TMO Eric Gauzins and referee Andrea Piardi reviewed Lions flanker Jac Morgan's clean-out but ruled there was no foul play, allowing the try to stand. Turinui, who played 20 Tests for the Wallabies, was adamant it should have been ruled out. "The end is a penalty to the Wallabies and the referees were too weak to give it," Turinui said on Nine. "The referees have got it wrong and it's cost the Wallabies survival in the series. "The British and Irish Lions lead this series 2-0. It was brave to come back from them, but it is a terrible decision that decides this match." Ex-England and Lions skipper Martin Johnson took a contrasting view, but former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper agreed with Turinui. "I can see what the referee's saying but there's a penalty there, whether it's on head, on neck or whether he's going straight off his feet to ground," Hooper said on Nine. "I would say if that was minute one it's a penalty and it was deserved to be awarded and the try overturned. "If you're refereeing or judging by the letter of the law, minute one to minute 79 it doesn't matter." Johnson disagreed. "I didn't think there was enough there for a penalty that would change the game," he said on Nine. "You have to be very, very sure to change the game on a ref's decision. "I thought it wasn't a penalty." Wallabies captain Harry Wilson was in no mood to discuss the incident when he was asked about it minutes after the match. "I'm probably not in the right emotional state to talk about that," Wilson said on Nine.
