Rugby Australia are seeking a replay of the washed out World Championship under 20 fixture against Ireland that left Aussie coach Nathan Grey fuming and pointing the finger of blame at the rival team’s doctor.
The decision to call off the game overnight in South Africa – but let subsequent two matches on the same field proceed following the deluge – ended Australia’s hopes of making the semifinals.
They needed to beat Ireland to make the top four but unless the RA request to reschedule the game for early Thursday AEST is accepted they will finish in the 5th-8th playoff spots.
After heavy rain World Rugby tournament organisers declared the field at Athlone Stadium not safe to play on.
Coach Nathan Grey. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Junior Wallabies coach Grey blew up in an interview with Rugby Pass, that has been removed from the official WR website – suggesting the Irish were guilty of dirty tricks.
“Bitterly disappointed for the players and the staff but the decision has been taken out of our hands and we don’t get the opportunity to play Ireland and finish on top of our pool,” he said.
“We played two games of Rugby Championships in much worse conditions but a strong push from the Irish doctor seemed to work with World Rugby in cancelling the game.
“The boys are shattered. We were very well prepared for this game and trained in worse conditions two days ago.
“It’s an opportunity that has been taken out of their hands but I’m sure World Rugby are doing it for the right reasons, I just hope they are true.
“…The conditions are fine. The surface water isn’t that bad. Yeah it’s boggy and wet but no worse than any conditions Ireland have played in before and certainly we’ve played in before.
“The conditions are properly better than what we played Italy in so it’s a bit confusing.”
An RA spokesman told The Roar that World Rugby had been contacted with a request for a replay but did not immediately hear back due to the time difference.