Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh demands accountability from World Rugby over controversial non penalty in Lions Test

Australian rugby boss Phil Waugh wants to see “accountability” from World Rugby after a controversial non-call in the final minute gifted the Lions a try to win the series.

Australian rugby boss Phil Waugh wants to see “accountability” from World Rugby around the decision by referee Andrea Piardi not to award a penalty to the Wallabies for the high clean-out by Lions flanker Jac Morgan that cost them the game and the series last Saturday.

It just so happens that World Rugby officials are in Sydney this week, and Waugh is set to meet them in coming days to seek an explanation over the ruling – in which Wallabies backrower Carlo Tizzano was cleaned out by Morgan who made contact around his neck.

Carlo Tizzano receives medical attention following the controversial contest. Picture: Getty Images

While Waugh congratulated the Lions for their epic comeback to win 29-26 in Melbourne, he firmly backed the strong sentiment of Australia’s coach Joe Schmidt, who said Piardi’s interpretation did not line up with World Rugby law 9.20 which states: “A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.

“Every time the head or the neck is deliberately grabbed or choked, the offending player runs the risk of receiving a yellow or red card

“Head contact and clean-outs around the neck must be penalised.”

Piardi also ruled that Tizzano and Morgan arrived at the breakdown at the same time, but frame-by-frame stills show the Australian over the Lions ball earlier than his rival.

This still frame shows Carlo Tizzano getting to the breakdown earlier than Jac Morgan, in the crucial play that cost the Wallabies victory against the Lions.

Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson speaks to referee Andrea Piardi. Picture: Getty Images

Waugh told Code Sports: “I was a player. I made plenty of mistakes and players make errors. Referees at times will interpret things differently.

“We’ve got the utmost respect in respecting the referee’s decision.

“But I do think there’s a level of accountability and explanation that needs to come with that. And we look forward to that.”

After the heartbreaking loss that saw the Lions clinch the series 2-0, heading into the final game in Sydney, Schmidt said: “We felt it was a decision that doesn’t really live up to the big player safety push that they’re talking about. You cannot hit someone above the level of the shoulders, and there’s no binding with the left arm, the hand’s on the ground.

“So that’s what we’ve seen, and we’ve watched a number of replays from different angles.”

Waugh backed his coach’s comments.

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh is demanding accountability. Picture: Getty Images

“My response is absolutely identical to Joe’s comments in the press conference,” he said.

“I played professionally for 13 years and Joe’s coached professionally for 20 years and both our views, and all those organisationally, are very aligned with what Joe talked to in that post-match press conference.

“Probably the number one priority for World Rugby is player welfare and we’ve seen great progress made in that space, and in a lot of ways World Rugby lead world sport in protecting the safety of players.

“So the progress the game globally has made can’t be underestimated. World Rugby should be very proud around their leadership position on player welfare.

“It’s important to first acknowledge just the quality of that Test match. I think it was probably as good a Test match as we’ve had anywhere in the world for a long time and obviously the Wallabies and the way they performed was inspiring and admirable and, clearly the class that the Lions showed to come back from 23-5 down and grind it out at the end, they should be congratulated as well.

Bundee Aki and Finn Russell celebrate the Lions’ victory in Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

“But from our end and, as we talk to transparency with fans and fan engagement, I think that ultimately everyone’s probably looking for a level of accountability.

“I look forward to World Rugby’s response to it.”

Regardless of the series being decided, RA is expecting another sellout crowd at the 82,000 seat Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday for the final Test, which will shatter the overall attendance record from their previous tour in 2013.

“While they are 2-0 down, this is a big occasion, our biggest market and a big stadium, and from the progress and entertainment that we saw on Saturday night, I think we’ll be in for another spectacular Test,” Waugh said.

Originally published as Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh demands accountability from World Rugby over controversial non penalty in Lions Test