The Waratahs should be ahead by more at Allianz Stadium. They’ve been hosed by the match officials in the first half, in a number of areas.
Lalakai Foketi’s spectacular try was denied after TMO James Leckie spent an eternity to convince himself the ball had scraped a blade of white-painted grass. The point of the ball appeared to hit green before white, however.
Damian McKenzie in action. Not his best night. Credit: Getty Images
And just moments later, a one-handed fling from Luke Jacobson found Leroy Carter for a try and despite being a far clearer case for scrutiny around forward pass, there was a hasty try ruled. Play on, nothing to see here.
It was a potential 14-point swing, and the Waratahs fans booed with gusto at every replay.
Referee Angus Mabey is a still a relative new referee, and the Chiefs were happy to see where he’d draw the line on dark arts.
Repeatedly they cleaned out way past the ball and held defenders, stopping them from getting in the line.
Halfback Teddy Wilson complained to Mabey towards the end of the half when he was tackled and held for several seconds, allowing the Chiefs to steal the ball at the next ruck.
