Seconds escapes Tahs' frustration
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson refused to dwell on his side’s questionable defeat to Lions.
Aside from Waratahs’ star-fullback Israel Folau’s social media saga, the side’s 28-29 defeat to Lions made the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Following the defeat in South Africa, referee Egon Seconds’ performance was highly criticized by the Australian media.
Fox Sports Rugby in Australia labelled it as “some truly bizarre moments” from the referee in the match.
While, former Springbok coach Nick Mallett couldn’t contain his frustrations with the officiating, stating: “quite frankly, there were a couple of calls that went the way of the Lions,”
MATCH REPORT: Lions v Waratahs
According to the stats, the Waratahs side were penalised 11 times compared to Lions, who only conceded two penalties.
The lopsided penalty count was a huge frustration for Gibson.
However, the coach revealed to rugbycomau that the Aussie side hadn’t taken any extra steps to address SANZAAR about referee Seconds, who was assisted by Rasta Rasivhenge and Jaco Peyper, while Willie Vos was the TMO.
“We regularly talk to SANZAAR and have got regular correspondence with Lyndon (referee boss Lyndon Bray) and we’ll put our usual submissions in that we do every weekend,” Gibson told rugbycomau.
The penalty count was 11-2 against the Waratahs and referee Egon Seconds featured in some truly bizarre moments. 😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/4ZEACOEmDK
— FOX SPORTS Rugby (@FOXRUGBY) May 12, 2019
The result saw the Waratahs spiral to fourth in the Australian conference and 13th on the overall Super Rugby table.
Nonetheless, with log-leaders Brumbies on a bye, the Waratahs have a perfect opportunity to make inroads when they face the Reds this weekend.
“There’s a lot at stake this weekend,” Gibson said.
“I don’t know about the points ladder but there’s a real history between the two teams. That’s what we’re really focused on.
“It’s a game our boys enjoy playing. There’s an extra spice in it, particularly the way the Reds approach the game as well.
“So plenty on the line.”
Source: Rugbycomau
