In the weekend’s ultimate showdown, the Rugby World Cup was ablaze with excitement, but Wales’ match against Fiji has sparked criticism over the officiating.
Among the most outspoken critics was television personality Nick Knowles, who vehemently labeled the game’s refereeing as an ‘outright disgrace’
The major point of contention among viewers was the penalty count, which seemed to get out of control in the second half. .
Wales found themselves on the wrong side of a 17-9 penalty tally, with a significant portion of those infractions occurring just five meters from their own try-line.
Despite the penalty discrepancy, both teams received one yellow card each during the intense contest.
Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui congratulated Wales for their victory, but did vent some frustration saying: “It’s pretty tough to talk when you are hot after the match. I did think when we were down in the corner, we had multiple penalties and could have been multiple more and we didn’t get a yellow card given against Wales.
“The referees have got a tough job, I respect what they do. As a coach, you are looking for that consistency. There were a couple of occasions where we thought we didn’t get the rub of the green.”
SOCIAL REACTION:
Former Scotland fly-half Ruaridh Jackson wrote: ” Gutted for Fiji, Wales can thank Carley for that one. How they didn’t have more people in the bin was a joke.”
Old school journalist Peter Jackson wrote: “Wales hang on to win the match of the weekend. Nick Tompkins terrific but @fijirugby have good reason to feel aggrieved at referee Matt Carley letting Wales off lightly. Penalty count 17-9 against Wales, one yellow card each.”
Former England Lewis Moody tweeted: “If there was s one question post Wales v Fiji, I’d love to understand why Wales got so may warnings after repeated infringements and Fiji had 1 infringement and an imidiate yellow.?”
Fiji legend Nemani Nadolo wrote: “Yellow card after one penalty to wales 4 warnings ?. I’m confused.”
Senior Editor of @LWOSRugby, Robert Rees tweeted: “I’m sorry, but how is Matthew Carley being consistent there? Yellow card straight away at one end, 4 pens at the other and nothing but a warning. Fiji burned by officiating there.”
Provacative former England fly-half Andy Goode tweeted: “Is Matt Carley secretly Welsh? Feel for Fiji.:
Nigel Owens refused to be brought into the debate, tweeting: “Best game of the World Cup so far. Brilliant both teams. Da iawn Cymru well done Wales.”
Former Togna international Cooper Vuna wrote: “Bloody ell that was a incredible fight back. Well done @fijirugby Referee you magaitinana usi kaita’e”
One of the most vocal of those critics was television Nick Knowles, who described the refereeing of the game as an “absolute disgrace”.
He even demanded that World Rugby “apogees” to Fiji.
One of his tweets read: “This is looking worse than bad officiating – I don’t even want to say it out loud. This officiating is an absolute disgrace and World Rugby owes Fiji an apology and this officiating team need censuring in some way This is supposed to be a showcase but it’s grotesque”
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”