Kiwi ref's inexplicable gesture for Wallabies' opponents
A New Zealand referee has opened himself up to accusations of favouritism after a questionable act towards a Fiji player during the match against Australia.
The Wallabies opened their Rugby World Cup campaign with a hard fought come-from-behind victory against the Fijians on Saturday.
‘I HEARD HIS NAME’: Wallabies forward at centre of bizarre World Cup theory
The Aussies were given a real scare after trailing for more than half the match against a rampaging Fiji side in Sapporo.
Kiwi ref Ben O'Keeffe seemed to get a little too wrapped up in the Fijian excitement after being caught committing a cardinal sin for a whistle-blower.
One of the first rules for any good referee is to remain impartial and show no signs of favouritism when officiating a match.
However, O'Keeffe appeared to forget that in an inexplicable moment after Fiji had scored a try to extend their lead in the match.
As the Fijian team walked back towards the halfway line, one of the players stuck his hand out to give the offical a high-five.
O'Keeffe really should have resisted the temptation to reciprocate but the referee can be seen in the footage accepting the gesture from the Fijian player.
While there is no suggestion the referee showed Fiji any favouritism during the match, it's nevertheless a bad look for the tournament and the official in question.
Despite finishing strongly to beat the Fijians 39-21, the Wallabies have a headache in the form of Reece Hodge.
Wallabies sweat on outcome of Hodge incident
The Aussie winger faces an uncertain future at the Rugby World Cup after being cited for a dangerous tackle during their opening win over Fiji in Sapporo.
More than 24 hours after the incident, citing commissioner John Montgomery of Scotland ruled Hodge had a case to answer following the tackle on flanker Peceli Yato which appeared to be high and involved no arms midway through the first half of Australia's 39-21 victory.
The 25-year-old Melbourne Rebels utility back will attend an independent judicial committee hearing in Tokyo. A date and time are yet to be determined.
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.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika reserved his immediate thoughts on Saturday night, having accepted Kitt's judgement.
"I saw the collision, it was a massive one, a try-saver. But that's all I know about the incident," he said.
The tackle was reportedly referred to Montgomery by the Fijians.
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
