B&I Lions accused of 'cheating'
World Cup-winning former Wallaby coach Bob Dwyer claims the unbeaten British and Irish Lions are cheating their way to victory on their Australian tour.
In allegations that have brought howls of derision from the touring party, Dwyer said he was adamant the tourists were flouting the laws on so many fronts that for the good of the game it could not be allowed to continue.
"We have a great game and there is massive scope for playing attractive rugby," Dwyer told The Australian.
"It's not supposed to be a contest to see who can cheat the best. It's who can play the best."
Dwyer claims the Lions scrummage illegally with their hookers pushing upwards and he also accuses the Lions props of bending the rules in binding.
The 1991 World Cup-winning coach also identified the Lions' delayed shove in the scrum as illegal and accused the tourists of knowingly employing illegal tactics for kick-off receipts.
Dwyer claimed their tactics at the breakdown were designed to ensure they not only win the ball but also delay the arrival of opposing players at the next ruck.
In addition, he said he has problems with their use of decoy runners in attack.
"When they run decoy plays, the decoy runner invariably makes contact with the defender. He doesn't smash him out of the way or anything so blatant, but it has the effect of impeding the defence," Dwyer said.
"You don't have to be smart to cheat," he said.
"You just have to be a cheat."
The Lions camp laughed off the claims with the team's media manager Greg Thomas tweeting: "Dear Bob Dwyer thanks for giving us all a good laugh this morning, think you should give up your day job?"
The Guardian's Robert Kitson, on tour with the Lions, tweeted: "Can't say 'cheating #lions ' burblings are big shock…as the saying goes: 'Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust, If Campo [David Campese] don't get ya, Dwyer must."
The Lions were scheduled to face the Waratahs in Sydney later Saturday ahead of next week's opening Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane.
AFP
