ARU CEO and humble-pie-eater-extraordinaire John O’Neill hit out at West Harbour rugby officials for trying to undermine his decision to ban Lote Tuqiri for two tests.
The Australian Daily Telegraph reported that there was a push to have Tuqiri play a match for the Sydney club on Sunday as part of his two-game suspension, to free him up for the Bledisloe Cup decider against New Zealand.
“We didn’t think he was suspended from all rugby. He hasn’t done anything wrong rugby wise. We assumed there was a chance he could come back and play,†said hapless West Harbour coach Matt Williams.
But O’Neill was stunned and lashed out at those trying to undermine his decision.
“I’m always wary of conspiracy theories but I was a bit puzzled and perplexed to be told West Harbour had named Lote in their team for Sunday. Common sense tells you, unless you’ve been living in a vacuum for the last 48 hours, he’s been suspended from rugby for two Test matches. So why would you inflame the circumstances by pencilling him into club rugby?
“If there was mischief afoot, that is a very poor reflection on those orchestrating that mischief. The decision is the right decision, it was taken for the right reasons and it sends out the right message. It has also been well received by the rugby community.
“Anyone who has a contrary view really doesn’t get it.”
Meanwhile Springbok coach Jake White mischievously waded into the controversy around Tuqiri by saying that he felt sorry for the wayward Aussie winger.
“I really feel for Lote. I saw the fine he was given and you have people saying ‘thank you Lote for costing us the Bledisloe’.
“Can you imagine . . . that guy must be hurting. I just hope it doesn’t damage him. He’s a really special player,” concluded the Bok coach.
Another cynical attempt by the Australians to bend the rules.