Advertisement

'The game is dying': Wallabies loss exposes ugly truth for rugby

Wallabies players, pictured here after their controversial loss to Wales.
The officiating in the Wallabies' loss to Wales has come under fire. Image: Getty

OPINION

Quick. Someone put a call into Peter V'Landys to see if he's got time to add the World Rugby CEO's job to his NRL and Racing NSW gigs because the international game is dying in front of our eyes.

The laws – and the constant interference of the Third Match Official (TMO) – has made the game a lottery.

It needs someone with PVL's autocratic hand to say enough is enough and make drastic change to the way the game is being governed.

'NEVER STOPS': Glaring Michael Hooper reality for Wallabies

'SEEN IT ALL': Fans in disbelief over bizarre Israel Folau news

Some of the refereeing decisions in Australia's 29-28 loss to Wales on Sunday morning (AEDT) were so inexplicable it's hard to describe let alone understand.

The normally reserved Wallabies coach Dave Rennie called it "horrendous".

He was being kind.

The Wallabies can have no complaints about Rob Valetini's send off in the 15th minute.

It was reckless and dangerous and contact was made with Adam Beard's head, so see you later.

Valetini brings aggression and passion to the role but his approach makes him a ticking time bomb in the new micro-managed world of refereeing.

Disbelief over Wales try from obvious knock on

Nothing escapes the cameras except, it seems, knock ons.

Can anyone please explain to us how Kurtley Beale's alleged knock down in the first half was worthy of a sin-binning and penalty yet Wales centre Nick Tompkins not only knocked down a pass but was allowed to pick the ball up and stroll over for a try early in the second term.

The Welshman looked like a bloke who had escaped from jail but knew it was only a matter of time before the guard dogs rounded him up.

Except they never came for him.

It was both a knock down and a knock on but somehow the TMO and on-field referee called it a knock back and play on.

The Wallabies, pictured here being robbed against Wales.
Were the Wallabies dudded by this controversial Wales try? Image: Amazon Prime/Getty

Were we seeing things or were the Moscow Mules from last night still affecting the eyesight?

Apparently not. Try to Wales and a 23-13 advantage.

The Wallabies were brave and courageous in fighting their way back into the contest only to be sunk, almost inevitably, by an after-the-bell penalty.

It brings an end to a disappointing European spring tour and to that we say hallelujah.

No more tearing yourself out of a warm bed – or staggering home from the pub – in the early hours to put yourself through this torture.

For a game they play in heaven, rugby sure puts you through all sorts of hell.

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.