Editorial: Rugby World Cup referees like Mathieu Raynal steals the show for all the wrong reasons

Our Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign ended on a high note. After 16 years, the Flying Fijians have made the quarterfinal and came close of reaching the semifinal.

The Waisea Nayacalevu-captained side fought gallantly only to go down 24-30 to England at Stade de Marseille in France, yesterday morning.

It was a thrilling encounter marred by several controversial decisions of French referee Mathieu Raynal.

It’s nothing new for a Pacific team, it was something to be expected.

According to Wales Online, Raynal has had a fair share of problems with the England side at this RWC and late last year when he had a run-in with captain, Owen Farrell, which ended in the tunnel.

England fans remembered during last year’s thrilling contest against New Zealand at Twickenham. While England pulled off a stunning comeback, scoring three tries in the final 10 minutes to secure a 25-25 draw with the All Blacks, the Frenchman left Farrell raging in the first half as he was accused of only looking out for infringements by the hosts.

Fiji Water Flying Fijians lost 24-30 to England in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals yesterday. Photo: World Rugby

“They had already formed a ruck and then Itoje just came in and grabbed onto the ball and there was no penalty there. Three times in the game.”

Again this is nothing new. At the 1999 RWC, referee Paddy O’Brien disallowed Fiji’s try against France in their final pool match and it impacted the final result. It was only years later O’Brien admitted that he had made the wrong call

World Rugby should be put on notice to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary actions against referees like O’Brien, Matthew Carley and Raynal, who are negative towards the Pacific teams- Fiji, Samoa and Tonga- or those in the Tier Two.

If nothing is done, then God help World Rugby.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj