VIDEO: All Blacks send ominous warning to ref
BLEDISLOE CUP SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree has warned match officials to keep a closer eye on Wallabies’ off-the-ball tactics.
As far as the New Zealand camp are concerned, the match officials failed to pick up several of Australia’s off-the-ball incidents during the 16-all Blesidloe Cup draw in Wellington.
In reviewing the test on Monday, head coach Ian Foster pointed out a couple of clear late hits that Richie Mo’unga copped from Wallabies defenders, all of which went unpunished by referee Paul Williams of New Zealand.
Assistant coach Plumtree continued that theme on Wednesday, saying he hoped the referee for the second Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park in Auckland would be more vigilant.
“That type of play on the field has got to be dealt with by the ref,” Plumtree told reporters in Auckland.
“There were several occasions where there were some off-ball incidents, but it has got to be dealt with properly on the field.
“I think we’ve got to be able to adjust to that and that’s probably why you’ve got a couple of senior players in particular pretty fired up about it.
“They see what they see, and if Paul [Williams] missed stuff, then he’s missed it. But if it’s a consistent habit that he’s seeing and it’s not being looked after, then obviously we’d be disappointed,”
He added: “If their [Wallabies’] intent is greater than ours around off-ball incidents, then we’ve just got to make sure we have a crack back at them.”
#InjuryUpdate: A major concern for @AllBlacks ahead of the second Bledisloe Cup clash against @wallabies
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Williams’ appointment was the first time a non-neutral referee had taken the whistle in a Wallabies and All Blacks Test since 1980 and this weekend, Angus Gardner, Australia’s top official, will be the centre of attention as the men in gold aim to break a 34-year drought at the venue, Eden Park.
Despite being clearly bothered with the official’s performances, Plumtree then insisted New Zealand wouldn’t let it affect them.
“But All Blacks don’t cry. We just get on with it and adjust to how the game is being refereed,” Plumtree said.
“That’s in every department and we have to adjust to how the game is being played.”
In contrast, Wallabies certainly have a reason to complain, given that they could’ve won the match hasn’t it been for two controversial moments by match officials – both massive mistakes in favour of the All Blacks
New Zealand’s first try, in the opening half, was allowed to stand despite footage showing Rieko Ioane had put a foot in touch earlier in the movement.
And near the end of an intense match, the All Blacks secured a controversial and illegal turnover, which allowed them to escape with the draw.
Source: TheAge & TimesLive
