Galthié criticizes refereeing in France vs. New Zealand series: Controversy over decisions

Fabien Galthié expresses his complaints about the refereeing in the series against New Zealand

France coach Fabien Galthié has expressed his dissatisfaction with the refereeing in the series against New Zealand, voicing his concerns about the scrum and questioning several refereeing decisions following the defeats in Dunedin and Wellington. With the All Blacks looking to secure the sweep in the third and final test in Hamilton on Saturday, Galthié told the French media that he expected neutrality from the referees.

We need the scrum and the ball carry to be refereed correctly. I don’t usually dwell on the refereeing, but when I have expectations, I share them.

Fabien Galthié

Galthié highlighted two instances in the 43-17 defeat in Wellington where he considered the French were disadvantaged. He mentioned that Jordie Barrett, of the All Blacks, illegally entered a ruck in the second half, while the French were setting up a maul advancing towards the try line, only for the ball to be held up.

Clearly, Barrett is in an offside position, on the side. For me, that’s a penalty try and a yellow card.

Fabien Galthié

He also criticised an interception by All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane, which stopped a French attack near the try line, in the right corner. According to Galthié, Ioane was offside in that play. “When he intercepts the ball on Leo Barre’s last pass… he is offside the whole time. There’s a penalty try and a yellow card,” he declared. “I’m happy there’s that difference in the score, but that’s two tries and two yellow cards.”