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'It was a bit harsh': Chiefs coach Warren Gatland questions calls from referee as Hurricanes secure dramatic victory
Chiefs boss Warren Gatland has called into question two calls made by referee Jaco Peyper which impacted his side’s 27-24 injury time defeat to the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday.
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A Jordie Barrett penalty four minutes after the full-time hooter sounded handed the Hurricanes a last-gasp win over the New Zealand conference leaders, but Gatland was dismayed by the way in which the penalty was awarded to the visitors.
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After toiling away near the halfway line for 35 phases, the Chiefs were eventually pinged for a dangerous tackle by reserve prop Reuben O’Neill on Hurricanes reserve loose forward Vaea Fifita.
While Barrett used the infringement to slot a long range penalty to secure victory for his side, Gatland believes the call was unwarranted, despite Peyper working in tandem with the TMO to help make his decision.
“I thought it was a bit harsh,” Gatland said.
“It looked to me like Reuben’s got his left arm up and trying to attempt a tackle, it doesn’t look like it’s no arms.
“And you’ve got to question whether the Hurricanes player’s lifted his leg and led with his knee as well.
“But that’s rugby, you’ve got to take the decisions of the referee and accept that.”
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Additionally, Gatland thought that Hurricanes co-captain TJ Perenara should have been sent off for a dangerous tackle on Chiefs wing Solomon Alaimalo in the second half.
As Alaimalo broke away from inside his own half, a solid covering tackle by Perenara appeared to show his shoulder connect with Alaimalo’s head, which many referees would deem to be a red card-worthy offence.
However, Perenara was only shown a yellow card, and returned to the field 10 minutes later to help steer his side to victory.
“You can make your own judgement on that,” Gatland said of the indiscretion. “He [Perenara] seemed pretty happy with the yellow card to me when he’s seen the replay.”
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The result leaves the Chiefs at the top of the New Zealand conference and second overall, but they could well be overtaken by the likes of the Crusaders, Brumbies and Stormers this weekend.
As for the Hurricanes, the victory pushes them into the top eight of Super Rugby, which is where they will stay for the remainder of the round.
In other news:
Comments on RugbyPass
Why do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
14 Go to comments