France coach fires a shot at Kwagga

21/03/2024 07:04

Fabien Galthie has singled out Springbok forward Kwagga Smith's role in France's 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final loss while questioning the officiating of Ben O'Keeffe.

In a report by French outlet Midi Olympique, the Les Bleus coach acknowledges rugby reasons for the tournament hosts' defeat to the eventual winners in Paris but highlights refereeing decisions as pivotal.

He revealed discussions with O'Keeffe at a recent World Rugby gathering, sparking debate over fair officiating and player conduct.

Galthie also raised an eyebrow at double world champion Smith's actions during the 29-28 result, citing a crucial penalty conceded. He advocates for clearer regulations and vows to voice concerns in rugby committees.

"We lost the quarter-final for rugby reasons but also for refereeing decisions," Galthie was quoted by Midi Olympique. "We also spoke about it with Ben O'Keeffe during a recent meeting at World Rugby.

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"The decision is part of the match and we accept it. You will never see me react directly to an arbitration decision. But we can discuss it coldly.

"In a World Rugby committee, I therefore had the opportunity to speak with Ben O'Keeffe.

"At one point in the meeting there was a discussion about the behaviour of the selectors. I took the floor and said that we had a major role as educators and that we must behave with respect towards the referees. This is fundamental.

"I told him that my players had been strongly impacted by questionable decisions. Everyone agreed on the fact that some decisions weren't the right ones. He wasn't at all happy with his performance either."

"There is a ball stolen with elbows on the ground by Kwagga Smith which gives three points to the Springboks, for example," he added.

"Today we want to count on the work of regulation and rules undertaken in these World Rugby committees. We must make our voices heard."

Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images

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