Johannesburg – Despite being on the receiving end of some questionable refereeing calls Sharks captain Marco Wentzel paid tribute to the Waratahs for their 33-18 Super Rugby victory at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
“We were in it right until the death,” said Wentzel.
“We just couldn’t keep the pressure on and like that last line of turnover they scored.
“We lost a lot of ball through turnovers and they scored. They are a quality side and if you make mistakes like that they punish you.”
Referee Rohan Hoffmann made a number of controversial calls in favour of the home team during the 80 minutes. The best example of clear inconsistency – though it did not actually cost the Sharks – came when the visitors were awarded a penalty on their own line with time just about up in the first half. Wentzel asked Hoffmann if time was up, and he said “yes” which could be clearly heard on the television broadcast.
Flyhalf Lionel Cronje proceeded to kick the ball out next to the Sharks line. Hoffmann then ordered the lineout to the protest of Wentzel, and they were forced to defend the lineout on their own line which should have never been awarded. Fortunately for the Sharks they were able to hold possession and kick the ball out to send the sides off for the halftime break.
Other more costly calls occurred during the match which prompted Sharks CEO John Smit to respond to a sports journalist on twitter who suggested the Sharks needed to put in an official complaint against the officiating.
“Im sure Sanzar leadership is strong enough 2 do something before we [The Sharks] need 2 enquire, I hope!,” said Smit.
Wentzel, meanwhile, would not be drawn into the debate in his post-match interview.
“There were some good moments, but then there were soft moments too,” said Wentzel.
“We scored some beautiful tries and I’m happy with that.”
Waratahs captain Dave Dennis also credited the opposition for their strong play.
“The Sharks played well. They stuck to their strengths; there were a lot of kicks and didn’t give us much opportunity in their 22m area,” said Dennis.
“When we got down there we were probably a little bit too impatient and turned the ball over, but we’re pleased to get the result in the end.” – ANA