Staff Reporter.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi says he “didn’t feel respected at all” by referee Nic Berry in the opening loss to the British and Irish Lions, backing up claims made by Rassie Erasmus.
Earlier on Friday, the Lions called the controversy a “sideshow”, while Rugby Australia deemed it “unacceptable”.
The second Test is on Saturday.
One of Erasmus’ claims in the unusual and unprecedented video was that Kolisi did not get the same respect given to Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones in the 22-17 loss.
The South Africa director of rugby added that he recorded the video in the hope that the Springboks would get an “equal chance” in Saturday’s second Test, which will be refereed by New Zealand’s Ben O’Keeffe.
Kolisi said he “didn’t get given the same access to the referee” in the opener, adding: “I didn’t feel respected at all.
“I didn’t feel I was given a fair opportunity. I’m looking forward to a new game and a new referee. I think Ben will give a fair opportunity for both captains and that’s all we’re asking.”
Public debate over the series’ officiating began before the first Test, when the Lions were reported to be furious over the use of a South African television match official.
Marius Jonker had to step in after New Zealander Brendon Pickerill was unable to travel because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said concerns raised about the TMO “destroyed the dignity of the series”.
British & Irish Lions: Hogg; A Watson, Harris, Henshaw, Van der Merwe; Biggar, Murray; Vunipola, Cowan-Dickie, Furlong, Itoje, AW Jones, Lawes, Curry, Conan.
Replacements: Owens, Sutherland, Sinckler, Beirne, Faletau, Price, Farrell, Daly.
South Africa: Le Roux; Kolbe, Am, De Allende, Mapimpi; Pollard, De Klerk; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi, Du Toit, Wiese
Replacements: Marx, Nyakane, Koch, De Jager, Van Staden, Smith, H Jantjies, Willemse.