Stan Sport Commentators Respond to ‘Whinging Australians’ Critique: Tune in for Five Years of Coverage

A trio of prominent Australian rugby commentators have fervently defended their impartiality following the contentious conclusion of the Brumbies vs Crusaders match in Canberra.

Former Wallabies back Morgan Turinui was particularly harsh in his critique of the officiating after a knock-on by Sevu Reece went unnoticed, allowing the Crusaders to clinch a vital second position on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder as they head into the finals series.

Turinui noted that New Zealand referee James Doleman seemed to have been in a poor position to see the incident, as he suggested the ball came off Reece’s boot. However, he argued that Kiwi assistant referee Fraser Hannon, stationed perfectly on the GIO Stadium sideline, should have been more vigilant.

He also lamented that TMO Richard Kelly was unable to intervene since Reece’s knock-on did not directly lead to George Bell’s match-winning try for the dominant New Zealand side.

“I could have been much harsher,” Turinui commented on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts, referring to the missed call as “disgraceful.”

“This is a professional sport, let’s be serious here; I’m not discussing an under-13 match on a Sunday… we’re covering a multimillion-dollar professional competition.

“The players are professional, everyone involved in the game acts professionally. The referees, who are flown worldwide, are also professional, held accountable, rated, and given matches based on their performance. It’s our responsibility to ensure accountability.”

Lead commentator Sean Maloney added his perspective after observing the intense backlash from both sides of the Tasman over the weekend.

“There seems to be this misguided perspective that we’re just complaining,” Maloney remarked.

NEW PODCAST! The Between Two Posts team delves into the highly controversial finish of the Brumbies vs Crusaders match.

“It’s as if Aussie commentators are somehow moaning post-match because the outcome didn’t favour us.

“In no conceivable scenario – if the same situation occurred at Eden Park, and it benefited an Aussie side – would the Sky Sport New Zealand commentators refrain from expressing their concerns.”

Now placed third, the Brumbies are set to host the fourth-placed Hurricanes in a qualifying final on Saturday, but their chance for a home semi-final or grand final was dashed by the 33-31 defeat.

Notably, no Australian team has won a fully combined Super Rugby competition since the Waratahs did in 2014.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham, a two-time Super Rugby champion as a player, demonstrated admirable sportsmanship in defeat.

“One positive takeaway I found is that ‘wow, people really care’,” Turinui reflected on the online uproar.

“Because I’ve received numerous comments from Australian fans expressing support, gratitude, and relief that we’re beginning to challenge the status quo.”

“There’s a prevailing sentiment among Australian fans that their teams often miss out on 50/50 calls, whether it’s due to refereeing patterns or human nature. Consequently, there has been significant defence from Australian fans, alongside the inevitable reactions from New Zealand supporters rooting for their team.”

Wallabies legend Matt Burke, in his inaugural season with Stan Sport, also firmly stood by the commentary team’s integrity.

“When the situation is as clear-cut as that, you have to acknowledge it,” Burke stated.

“We need to have the courage to recognise this for both sides and assert that someone was wronged.”

Stan Sport has reported a 27 per cent increase in average viewership throughout the regular Super Rugby season, with free-to-air audiences on Nine also climbing by 13 per cent.

“Just look at the past five years of our coverage,” Turinui remarked.

“The feedback we receive from players, officials, and teams in New Zealand is overwhelmingly positive about our coverage. They appreciate how we highlight the strengths of our game.”