'Human error' - Schmidt critical of late refereeing decision that cost Wallabies

Angry Australia boss Schmidt cited rugby’s law 9.20b when claiming Hugo Keenan’s winning try for the Lions should have been ruled out.

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt before the second test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Joe Schmidt launched an attack on referee Andrea Piardi following Australia’s second Test loss to the British & Irish Lions as the tourists put the 2025 series beyond their hosts with a game to spare.

Hugo Keenan’s try with only 20 seconds left on the clock gave his side a famous 29-26 victory in front of 90,307 spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a record attendance for a Lions Test match.