Referee facing censure over flare-up on sideline

By WYNNE GRAY

New Zealand referee Steve Walsh is facing censure for his part in the aftermath of the 16th man debacle during England's hard-fought win against Samoa.

Walsh, England and their fitness adviser, Dave Reddin, were all asked to submit reports about the sideline substitution shemozzle which erupted when England wing Dan Luger played 34 seconds as an extra man for his side.

At the time, the incident seemed to be farce as Luger raced on while injured team-mate Mike Tindall was treated on and off the field.

But there was a spiteful aftermath, with some verbals between Australian sideline match official Brett Bowden, who was responsible for the England subs, Walsh, Reddin and Luger.

As the officials went into the tunnel, the Herald understands the abuse continued and that Reddin laid a hand on Walsh.

It is believed the sideline and tunnel incidents are the subject of their own World Cup investigation, with a separate inquiry being made into England's substitution tactics.

All those involved have been asked to file reports on each incident.

England have had barrister Richard Smith acting as the team's legal adviser during the competition, filing submissions on the row.

Tournament director Fraser Neill has also called for reports from match commissioner Geoff Shaw.

England coach Clive Woodward said: "It was an error I can assure you and, yes, there has been an investigation."

He did not know what penalty, if any, England could face.



"I don't know how serious this inquiry is going to be.

"I just know the facts from our side of things.

"We're putting our report together, it is as simple as that.

"We want to get this sorted out by the weekend. We are doing our utmost to give them all the information they require."

Referees have been gagged for the tournament.

However, England have become increasingly angry about the post-match allegations and cover of the incidents, saying it underlines the anti-England bias throughout the tournament.

England captain Martin Johnson alluded to that perception when he mentioned that everyone except England wanted to see them beaten by Samoa on Sunday.

Once referee Jonathan Kaplan was alerted to Luger's unlawful time on the field, when he entered one ruck and was penalised, he ordered the wing from the field.

His participation was not officially registered because he was an illegal sub.

Bowden refused to let Luger on because play was still going, but it is understood Woodward instructed Reddin to ignore the directive.

When Luger was removed, it is understood Walsh, who was in charge of the Samoan reserve bench, told Reddin he should learn the laws of the game.

That drew retorts, and heated exchanges continued in the tunnel.

The Herald understands Reddin was also involved in a shouting match with a sideline official when England played South Africa.

The official objected to England's use of their water carriers.

That issue has also drawn the ire of referees.

Several sides have had their water carriers, who double as team tacticians, sent packing when there are stoppages in play.

Warnings and censures are the most likely result of the unseemly end to Sunday's superb game.

But there is provision in the tournament rules for England to lose their match points, a result which could see them meet the All Blacks in a quarter-final.