Wallabies Coach Dave Rennie may face a sanction from World Rugby after giving a scathing critique of the officiating in the heartbreaking 29-28 loss to Wales on Sunday morning.
Rennie labelled the refereeing as “horrendous” and said it “played a big part in the result.”
Fox Sports’ Christy Doran disagrees with Rennie’s assessment but understands his frustration.
“I don’t think they were horrendous,” Doran said to SEN 1170 Mornings.
“They (the referees) were caught up with the technicality of it.
“World Rugby will undoubtedly be chewing over the footage and seeing whether or not they felt he (Rennie) was in his right (to criticise).
“They got an apology after the Scotland game.
“It just unfortunately doesn’t cut it in high performance sport.”
The 58-year-old was also critical of the officiating in the Wallabies’ two-point loss to Scotland earlier in November.
By doubling down on his statements, Rennie will come under major scrutiny from World Rugby, who just last week imposed a two-month ban on Springboks Head of Rugby Rassie Erasmus for a rant against a referee.
He was aware that his most recent comments had the potential to land him in hot water.
“It’s important I spoke my mind … I’ve never gone in the media and had a crack at a referee,” Rennie said.
“But I felt I had to.”
Despite the 0-3 record in the UK to end their Spring Tour, the Wallabies have made improvements in the last year.
Doran believes they are headed in the right direction ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
“A lot of abrasive, talented young forwards are showing some rigour and conviction,” he said.
“I think it’s exciting.”
The Wallabies plan to file a formal complaint against the officiating within the coming days.