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20 February, 2026, 7:39 pm
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20 February, 2026, 7:39 pm Central - 25°C Rain

Kiwi referee under pressure for giving Murimurivalu a low-five after Fiji scored against the Wallabies

Kiwi referee under pressure for giving Murimurivalu a low-five after Fiji scored against the Wallabies

By Semi Turaga
23/09/2019

Kiwi rugby referee Ben O'Keeffe is being called out by Australian media for committing a "cardinal sin" while officiating Saturday's Rugby World Cup clash between the Wallabies and Fiji.

The reports by Australian media came out hours after Wallabies wing Reece Hodge was cited for a high tackle on flanker Peceli Yato.

O'Keeffe has been snapped on camera from multiple angles giving Fijian fullback Kini Murimurivalu a low‑five moment after the Flying Fijians scored a try, pushing their lead to 21‑12 over the Wallabies.

As the fullback gets close to O'Keeffe, the Kiwi official offers his right hand for the hand gesture which Murimurivalu obliges to.

FOX Sports Australia labelled the action "the cardinal sin as an official".

[Source: TVNZ]

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