RA Seeks Explanation from World Rugby After Controversy in Lions vs Wallabies Test

Sydney – The Wallabies are claiming to be ready for the third Test against the British and Irish Lions, while Rugby Australia (RA) seeks clarity on the controversial decision that allowed the tourists’ winning try in Melbourne on Saturday night. The Lions secured their first series win since 2013 with a try from Hugo Keenan at 79.10 minutes, generating a huge ovation at the MCG in front of 90,307 fans who celebrated and lamented almost equally. The result hung in the balance for several minutes while Italian referee Andrea Piardi and his assistants reviewed the play of Jac Morgan’s clearance on Carlo Tizzano.

Although the play was ultimately validated, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt criticized the decision, arguing that Morgan’s clearance clearly infringed law 9.20, which prohibits contact above the shoulders. RA chief Phil Waugh stated that they will seek “accountability” for World Rugby’s decision.

I was a player. I made a lot of mistakes and players make mistakes. Referees sometimes interpret things differently. But I think a level of accountability and explanation is needed. And we expect that.

Phil Waugh, head of RA

It is likely that any feedback RA receives from World Rugby will remain private. The World Rugby CEO will be questioned about the incident by the media in Sydney this week, where he will present the ticket sales plans for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Despite the defeat, scrum-half Jake Gordon highlighted the team’s improvements, insisting that Australia is heading in the right direction.

It’s disappointing with the result, but we are definitely improving as a team. We need to be more consistent in the second half.

Jake Gordon, Australia scrum-half

Gordon affirmed that the Wallabies will have no problems facing the final match of the series at Accor Stadium, despite losing the series for the second consecutive time against the Lions.

Gordon added that the team is ready for the challenge and expects another great match in Sydney. Although Gordon would usually come off the field in the second half, replacement scrum-half Tate McDermott had already been used due to Harry Potter’s hamstring injury and Australia’s distribution of six players on the bench. This gave Gordon a front-row view of the final sequence of the match, although the veteran number 9 avoided commenting on Morgan’s clearance. Gordon, when asked about the play, said he hadn’t had time to review it and that those were conversations that the coach and referees would have later.