WORLD RUGBY DISMISS AUSSIE SAFETY CLAIM

WORLD Rugby rejects Joe Schmidt's claim that the decision not to punish Jac Morgan's clearout in Australia’s defeat by the British and Irish Lions on Saturday contravenes the game’s player safety principles.

- DUNCAN BECH Press Association Reporter

Hugo Keenan touched down with 51 seconds left at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but the match-winning try was only given after the TMO had reviewed Morgan's contact with Carlo Tizzano in the preceding ruck, which was ultimately deemed legal by referee Andrea Piardi.

Furious Schmidt, who had seen his Wallabies edged 29-26 to concede the series with one Test to play, insisted it was the wrong call, adding that “it doesn’t really live up to the big player safety push that they (World Rugby) are talking about’

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh backed Schmidt's view that it was a dangerous clearout and the try should have been disallowed.

World Rugby has been conducting a review into the incident in conjunction with Australia, the Lions and the match officials, which will be completed in time for Saturday’s final Test between the rivals in Sydney.

Chief executive Alan Gilpin, speaking at an event revealing ticketing details for the 2027 World Cup, has hit back at Schmidt.