South African Coach says he was misquoted by the media

South African Coach Neil Powell says he has been misquoted by the media.

This comment comes after supersport.com reported that the Bokz had accepted an apology from Matt O'Brien over the performance of the Wellington 7s final last weekend.

O'Brien, who has been refereeing professionally since 2011, reportedly met with Bok Sevens coach Neil Powell on Wednesday in Sydney, with World Rugby Sevens assessor Tappe Henning.

Powell told Supersport.com that his side had accepted an apology from O'Brien over the performance but a World Rugby spokesman said there was no such apology and nor was one required.

The Boks led 21‑7 before O'Brien made some questionable calls, including awarding a 9‑1 penalty count in New Zealand's favour.

New Zealand famously came back and scored three tries in the last three minutes of the match to win the game.

World Rugby Spokesman says coach feedback is an important part of the 360 degree match officials review process and while O'Brien and Powell did jointly review the performance, there was no apology required and none offered.

O'Brien, the son of World Rugby Sevens Referees boss Paddy, has been widely criticised around the world for his performance.

South Africa is pooled with Kenya, Scotland and Russia in Pool B.

Source: stuff.co.nz