All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has denied an allegation from Australia that he had a secret meeting with referee Romain Poite before Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test.
Australia lodged an official complaint after their 29‑9 defeat in Wellington, claiming Hansen and Poite met prior to the game which is not allowed according to World Rugby regulations.
Hansen refuted the claim yesterday but did admit he caught up with assistant referee Jaco Peyper at the latter’s request to review incidents from the first Test in Sydney the week before of which Peyper was the referee.
Under World Rugby rules, coaches are permitted to meet with referees before a match, but only if there are representatives from both teams present or if one side is invited and declines the opportunity.
Hansen said it was quite sad the allegation was made and joked he was shattered by the implications.
The teams will rest this weekend before resuming their games next week.
The All Blacks will host Argentina at 7.35pm next Saturday while the Springboks will take on the Wallabies at 10.05pm next Saturday.
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