Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has criticised the decision not to penalise Wales flanker Jac Morgan for a controversial clearout during the final moments of the second Test against the British and Irish Lions, calling it inconsistent with rugby’s emphasis on player safety.
Morgan’s challenge on Carlo Tizzano at the last ruck went unpunished, leading to Hugo Keenan’s match-winning try that sealed a dramatic 29-26 victory for the Lions — their first Test series win since 2013.
Despite a Television Match Official (TMO) review, referee Andrea Piardi’s decision to award the try stood.
“You can’t hit someone above the shoulders, and there was no bind with the left arm — his hand was on the ground,” Schmidt argued. “We’ve looked at it from several angles, and by the letter of the law, it should’ve been a penalty.”
He pointed to Law 9.20, which prohibits charging into a ruck without binding and bans contact above the shoulders, highlighting the perceived inconsistency with World Rugby’s player welfare push.
“Players and officials make mistakes, but this one felt out of line with the safety standards we’re told are being enforced,” he added.
