Morgan Turinui has expressed confusion regarding Super Rugby Pacific’s lack of response after an incident involving NSW Waratahs lock Fergus Lee-Warner, who allegedly threw a punch during a match on Saturday. The altercation occurred when Western Force centre Hamish Stewart reacted to Lee-Warner clipping his legs while scoring a try, prompting Stewart to throw the ball at the 198cm lock. This led to a scuffle in which Lee-Warner swung at Force hooker Nic Dolly.
Although Stewart’s try was upheld, referee Angus Gardner awarded a penalty to the Waratahs due to Stewart’s provocative action. Remarkably, there were no official citings from the round, and Lee-Warner is set to play in the upcoming crucial match against the Blues at Eden Park. A Super Rugby spokesperson remarked that a review concluded Lee-Warner’s action did not qualify as a punch, a claim that Turinui vehemently disagreed with.
Turinui pointed out that from various angles, it is evident that Lee-Warner did indeed throw a punch, calling for more accountability from officials, including the TMO, Brett Cronan. He expressed surprise that the judiciary chose not to investigate further, given how rare punches are in modern rugby.
Meanwhile, attention turns to upcoming fixtures in the tournament, including a clash between the Highlanders and Chiefs, and a significant match for the Brumbies against Crusaders, where the outcome may influence their playoff standings. Brumbies will see the return of Noah Lolesio, who missed previous games due to injury, marking a boost for the team.
In other encounters, the Waratahs, though without captain Jake Gordon, are optimistic about their forthcoming match against the Blues. Young players Teddy Wilson and Jack Bowen will be entrusted with leading the team on the field. The weekend also features the Hurricanes hosting Moana Pasifika, along with the Queensland Reds playing against Fijian Drua, where Reds centre Josh Flook makes his long-awaited return from injury.
Overall, the intensity of the matches is intensified by impending playoff implications, as teams fight for their positions in the finals race.