Rassie: 'If I were Joe, I'd be disappointed'
SPOTLIGHT: It didn’t come as a surprise when Rassie Erasmus was asked his opinion on the controversial incident in last Saturday’s Second Test between Australia and the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne.
It has been a topic that has dominated headlines in the last few days and even garnered a response from World Rugby.
The incident in question came in the build-up to Hugo Keenan’s match-winning try when referee Andrea Piardi ruled that Jac Morgan’s cleanout on Wallaby flank Carlo Tizzano was not illegal.
The Wallabies were livid with the decision, especially head coach Joe Schmidt.
However, earlier this week, World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin threw his support behind Piardi and expressed his disappointment with Schmidt’s comments.
Erasmus, who is no stranger to controversial moments and run-ins with World Rugby, gave a diplomatic response when he was asked about it during a Springbok press conference in Johannesburg this week.
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“Well, I had Australia by four points in that game, so I lost our internal [bet] on that one,” Rassie said with a smile.
He added: “That is such a tough decision. World Rugby has come out and said it was the right decision.
“I know it’s a very tough call for the referee to make there.
“I know if I were Joe [Schmidt], I would be disappointed, and if I were Andy [Farrell], I would be really happy.
“For me to make a call here is tough.
“I didn’t go through those emotions.
“I think it was touch and go, so I can understand what both coaches see.
“But World Rugby has ruled on it and that is what everybody has to accept.”
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