Rugby Australia seeks answer on late decisive call by referee in loss against Lions

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said he would seek an explanation from World Rugby on the late call by referee Andrea Piardi that ultimately decided the match and the series in the second Test against the British & Irish Lions.

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Hugo Keenan's last-minute try gave the Lions a 29-26 win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with the Irish fullback scoring after Jac Morgan had cleared out Carlo Tizzano in a ruck in the buildup.

The Wallabies wanted a penalty for high contact but, after a discussion with the TMO, Piardi allowed the try to stand, a decision slammed by Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt in his post-match press conference as contrary to World Rugby’s campaign to improve player safety.

“Joe's comments were 100% aligned with mine as a CEO and a former Wallaby,” Waugh told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“Our position on that particular decision is consistent to what Joe outlined in his analysis of that last breakdown.

“Clearly there'll be the usual process, which is what happens after every test match, and we'll certainly be looking for a level of accountability from World Rugby over the next period of time.”