Super Rugby Pacific: Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan refuses to point finger at referee Ben O'Keeffe for final loss to Crusaders

Super Rugby Pacific: Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan refuses to point finger at referee Ben O'Keeffe for final loss to Crusaders

By Alipate Narawa
Sunday 25/06/2023
Super Rugby Final referee Ben O'Keeffe and Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan Photo: NewsHub

At this stage, all I can say is it hurts, and I'm extremely proud of the season and the way we fronted up tonight.

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan highlighted this after their 25-20 loss to the Crusaders sparing any criticism for referee Ben O'Keeffe, after a contentious decision cost his side dearly in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific final.

In a game of such fine margins, the seven points gained from the one play can be seen as the difference between the Crusaders winning a seventh title in as many years, and the Chiefs' first championship since 2013.

But, while McMillan concedes the moment itself was a key factor in the result going against his side, he didn't want to be drawn into calling the referee into question.

McMillan says the biggest call, momentum swinger, was what he thought was a clear and obvious forward pass, just before halftime.

"He says he does not want to bag the referee.

An inflated penalty count against the Chiefs did the contenders no favours on a night where everything needed to go their way.

On top of that, the Chiefs played 30 minutes at a numerical disadvantage.

McMillan says It is going to be tough to beat the Crusaders when you have three yellow cards.

"The referee's the man in the middle, he obviously deemed that it was. I think that probably played a part in the outcome."

Regardless, the Chiefs' coach will now return to the drawing board for another attempt at the title in 2024.

"We'll reflect once we've had an opportunity at some stage to have a look at the game, and figure out what we could have done better.

Source: newshub


DateTimeTeamTeam

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
5G network launch delayed until June due to USAID project adjustments
Fiji’s much awaited 5G network, initially set for a March launch, has been delayed until June this year due to setbacks linked to USAID projects. ...
12 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Kamikamica questions US over 32% tariff on Fijian exports
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica says they have asked the Unites States Embassy the basis of the 32 percent tariff ...
12 hours ago

283 UniFiji graduates reminded to carry values of kindness, compassion and integrity
283 graduates from the University of Fiji have been reminded that kindness, integrity, compassion, rigorous thinking and true reflection are the ...
13 hours ago

CFL enters into Public Service Agreement with the Government
Communications Fiji Limited, the parent company of LegendFM, FM96, VITIFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam and fijivillage, has entered into a Public Service ...
14 hours ago

Maikeli Radua’s final journey to Waikete to start from 5am tomorrow at CWM Hospital
The final journey of the late iconic personality of VITIFM, Maikeli Radua will begin from CWM Hospital Mortuary on Brown Street at ...
14 hours ago

Couple pleads guilty to meth possession
A couple arrested for methamphetamine possession in Samabula’s Howell Road has pleaded guilty to the charges. 37-year-old Kinijoji Tuivonovono ...
15 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
2 days ago

Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
37 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
38 days ago

TOP