Umaga bemoans referee leniency after Treeby tackle
Tana Umaga bemoaned the leniency of referee Jaco van Heerden and TMO Shaun Veldsman after Shaun Treeby escaped a yellow card for a tackle that knocked out Blues' fly-half Piers Francis.
Stormers centre Treeby caught Francis on the chin with a swinging arm in the second half of Friday's Super Rugby clash at Newlands, and the resulting concussion makes him a major doubt for next week's match against the Chiefs.
Van Heerden and Veldsman reviewed the incident and opted to only award a penalty, rather than sending the Treeby to the sin bin.
It was a decision that frustrated Blues coach Umaga and he will seek further clarification on why no further action was taken.
"From what's happened in previous games you probably could say [it deserved a yellow card]," Umaga said.
"We've just got to deal with decisions that are made on the field.
"We knew going into this game the South African referees had been giving away a lot of yellow cards, and cards in general, so we talked a lot about being disciplined and we would expect that consistency throughout the whole game.
"I've got to go through the right channels in terms of reporting back - that's what we'll do to make sure we get some answers to some of the questions we have.
"There were some tough calls that we felt went against us but that's the way it goes."
To add insult to injury the Blues finished the match with 14 men after Matt Duffie was shown two yellow cards as they were beaten 30-22 by the Stormers.
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He doesn't generally do it at all, for anybody, so don't say too much the next one could be just as positive about the Springboks if you don't get carried away!
He also pointed out the "no killer instinct" narrative that they simply weren't good enough. Do yo disagree that SA were that great against NZ?
Readying the article I didn't even see that as a dig towards SA SF, simply an exciting take on how close the ABs really are again to those at the top. I feel it is more you that is taking away from this enjoyment with you replay that is largely based on a lot of old resentment.
Just enjoy how good the rugby is and that NZ is back baby!
Go to commentsAttack coach? What "attack"? All I saw was headless chooks pinballing around the paddock. This whole coaching group needs a shake-down. The BFs have regressed at pace since the Prof & Cronnie days.
We have immense talent, some of the best in world rugby, but it's wasted on this coaching group. I put Bunting in the same loser category as Penney & Foster. At this point in time, success at RWC2025 seems a longshot!?!
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