Kaplan Speaks

MG

From Scrum.com

Kaplan said that he had a clear conscience. ``On a personal level, I am very disappointed with Robinson's remarks. I don't feel it is going anywhere when a coach publicly criticises a referee. There were two matters which he believes were critical and I am quite certain I made the correct decision in both of them.

``The one incident where there was an offside (for Mark Cueto's disallowed try), I can't see any conclusive evidence to disprove my decision. And on the second occasion where there was doubt if a try was scored, I was in a perfect position to adjudicate.

``I didn't need to use the television referee from where I was and even if I had reason to, the scrum maul was repelled back into the field of play and the ball became unplayable, so technically I was spot on.''

Kaplan added that the television referee, Welshman Hugh Watkins, had agreed with his decision. ``Even if they ask why I didn't refer it, Hugh Watkins has said that with the referral he wouldn't have given it,'' he said.

Kaplan insists he enjoys a good relationship with Robinson and understands his reaction, even though he doesn't agree with it. ``I understand it, Andy is a reasonable coach and it is out of character for him to do something like this. I wish him well for the rest of his Six Nations campaign,'' he continued.

``But I have watched the footage again and I would have been the first one to put up my hand and admit I had made a mistake if it was so. If there is evidence, then perhaps they should give me evidence of my mistakes and I will gladly admit them.'' "

Naturally, he is going to defend himself but I think he has a good technical case.

Nukem

I love it. A very subtle fook you Mr.Robinson.

Sherifu

Nicely put.
No need for him to take that rubbish from Robinson.

Hairy Homer

rkm wrote:

Nicely put.
No need for him to take that rubbish from Robinson.

I can't help remembering another English manager in another time in another sport pointing out, to a linesman after an apalling series of refereeing decisions: 'Your mate's just got me the sack. Thank him very much for that, will you.'


Do I not like that. !!

Keano_sli

Of course they only blamed the ref in this instance to detract from their own playing shortcomings.
Rugby Refs are on a different plane to soccer Refs and generally their decisions are respected, but in this case not by the bad losers