Phil Kearns: Ref A Disgrace And Out Of His Depth

Wallabies legend Phil Kearns has teed off at Kiwi referee Paul Williams’ “disgraceful decision” to yellow card Australia prop Taniela Tupou in the 35-17 loss to the Springboks.

Tupou was sin-binned in the second half of the Rugby Championship opener for what Williams deemed to be a dangerous clean-out after he had blown his whistle to stop play.

It looked like a penalty would suffice but Williams gave the substitute a spell and an understrength South Africa took full advantage of the extra man to score two converted tries in those 10 minutes.

That changed the score from 14-10 to 28-10 and it was game, set, match for Michael Cheika’s beleaguered side.

Williams has been appointed to referee at the Rugby World Cup in Japan this year.

“I just think it was a disgraceful decision,” Kearns said on Fox Sports’ post-match coverage.

“So many times we put referees that are out of their depth into these games.

“We’ve all talked privately about the World Cup referees and there’s a whole bunch of guys there that are totally out of their depth.

“And big games like that — that is a game changing moment.

“And some of these guys are out of their depth.”

Kearns stressed that the Springboks were the better side and deserved their victory although the former Wallabies captain added the decision “may have” changed the game.

“Taniela, yeah it was late, but it was a legitimate clean-out,” Kearns said.

“I could understand a penalty.

“There was no doubt he was committed.”

The ref was better than the one who reffed  the  AB - Argentinian game.

I believe the yellow was justified based on the fact that it was a highly dangerous tackle. I wouldn't have allowed Lood's try because it took an eternity before the ref made the call so there's doubt whether it was held up or there was a bit of fiddling before it crossed the line if it did touch or cross the line.

Must say I'm surprised by Kearnsy's outburst he's normally sound in judgment.

After the ref already blew the whistle awarding a scrum to the Aussies.   Dumb thing to happen.

Denny, you must be joking about Kearns!

He's the epitome of a one-eyed Ocker who continually whinges throughout a game about everything that goes against his team. 

I despise his commentary. 

Each to his own and Kearns is not an Ocker. C areful now.

Ocker

The nz are the worst in the world followed by Oz refs. Too see the two oaks fighting it out about refs is hilarious!

An Ozzie ref is officiating in our game against the wee abs. No doubt he has been fully briefed about the " Get the Jarpies" agreement! Boks up against 16 men as per usual.

The ref is Nick Berry. He has yet to ref a Bok test. We'll see how he goes. 

That's about as good as it gets I'm afraid.

Denny you are kidding about Kearns being an objective commentator. He is absolutely NOT. He is there in the Commentary Box because he articulates what every Wallabies Fan thinks but is afraid to say  

When's the last time you and your mate have an HIA test?

Denny you and the current Argentinian Coach Ledesma have the same opinion on Kearns. Kearns wanted the Jaugaries booted out of Super Rugby because they beat his beloved Tahs and the coach said,"It came from a good place and trying to defend the interests of Australian rugby. I know him and he's a great guy and I didn't take it in a bad way," he said. Too funny 

Your HIA needs urgent attention..... go now.