Michael Cheika's Australia secured a priceless 26-7 victory over Italy today to secure their first win of the November Internationals and alleviate some of the pressure on the side.
Two tries from Marika Koroibete as well as scores from Taniela Tupou and Will Genia ensured the Wallabies their victory but Italian coach Conor O'Shea was left raging after Pascal Gaüzère ruled out a potentially significant try with the score at 14-0.
Controversy in Italy as Gauzere disallows an Italian try for offside. pic.twitter.com/w7zy3l2R9Q
— rugby (@theblitzdefence) November 17, 2018
For players in a lineout, the law states that the offside line exists 'until the ball has been thrown in and touched a player or the ground.' However, scrum-half Tito Tebaldi is not considered in the line-out and must be beyond the 15m, which Gaüzère suggested he was not. The line-out throw did not appear straight but the referee did not go to a TMO.
Speaking to Italian outlet OASport, O'Shea felt the try was an important moment in the game.
I am proud because today's is an important step for us towards the highest level. But I'm angry because we were denied the Tebaldi try in the first half: when we play like that and we are not rewarded, I'm angry. Would that try change the game? I won't say that but the same referee against Scotland in the Six Nations last year had not behaved like that.
The pivotal game of the November Internationals was last week for Italy and they passed that test with a victory over Georgia. However, it doesn't get any easier as they are set to face New Zealand next Saturday to close out the tour.
