Michael Cheika fumes over ref justice

Wallabies boss Michael Cheika was left fuming by the performance of match referee Pascal Gauzere, revealing he had invited the French official to attend his post-match press conference to explain his decisions for himself.

The Australians felt aggrieved by a number of Gauzere’s decisions during the 20-16 defeat to Ireland at Allianz Stadium, including a yellow card for full-back Israel Folau after 30 minutes, some inconsistency over forward passes and a late penalty against Wallabies replacement hooker Tolu Latu which allowed Johnny Sexton to open up a four-point lead for the tourists with a minute to go.

That left Australia chasing a try to win the game rather than a penalty or drop-goal and former Leinster boss Cheika, who was animated in the coach’s box throughout the final Test and is no stranger to run-ins with officaldom, expressed his displeasure at Gauzere once more in his media briefing.