Not in the spirit of the game: Wallabies coach unloads on Fiji
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has unloaded on Fiji for referring winger Reece Hodge for a Rugby World Cup citing, saying it tramples on the spirit of the sport.
Cheika hit out at his Fiji counterparts for referring Hodge's tackle following Saturday's game in Sapporo which has resulted in a citing and a judicial hearing as soon as Monday afternoon in Tokyo.
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The first-half tackle prevented a possible try for Fiji and left flanker Peceli Yato concussed.
Fijian players immediately asked for the television match official to review the tackle. The TMO concurred with the referee and his assistant that it didn't even warrant a penalty.
Fiji management subsequently referred it to the match citing official, who deemed it a dangerous tackle.
Cheika couldn't stomach the Fijian act because of its two-faced nature.
He had spoken in convivial fashion with Fiji coach John McKee after the game and there was no suggestion the Hodge incident would be taken further.
"I don't find the way that they brought that (referral) in the spirit of the game at all, which is something you know from Fiji," Cheika told journalists on Monday.
"I'd prefer that they come up to me and get upset with me if they're really upset about it, not to just talk to me in that nice, friendly chitty-chat way and then go behind your back and put in a referral.
"I don't think I've ever referred anyone over my time."
Fiji were incensed by the tackle, which stopped what was shaping as a likely try to hulking Clermont star Yato, metres from the line.
The impressive forward, arguably the game's best player until then, was forced from the field with concussion and failed to return.
Fiji captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu's demand for the incident to be reviewed by the television match official was granted. However, English official Rowan Kitt ruled there had been no foul play.
Citing comes after zero tolerance directive
World Rugby referee boss Alain Rolland said on the eve of the global showpiece that officials would take a zero-tolerance approach to high tackles.
A three-man panel chaired by New Zealander Nigel Hampton will form the first judiciary of the tournament and their decision will be closely scrutinised.
Hodge went on to have a solid game after a torrid start, having been forced into attempting a host of one-on-one tackles against a Fijian side who were rampant in the opening exchanges.
He was bumped off twice when going low, including one don't-argue from former Parramatta NRL star Semi Radradra.
It was the debut World Cup appearance for Hodge, who has played 37 Tests in a variety of positions.
If he is suspended, the Wallabies have some accomplished options as cover in Dane Haylett-Petty and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
They next play Wales in Tokyo on Sunday.
With AAP