Share

Lions are cheats - Dwyer

accreditation
Bob Dwyer (AFP)
Bob Dwyer (AFP)

Sydney - Rugby World Cup-winning former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer claims the unbeaten British and Irish Lions are cheating their way to victory on their Australian tour.

In allegations that have brought howls of derision from the touring party, Dwyer said on Saturday he was adamant the tourists were flouting the laws of rugby on so many fronts that for the good of the game it could not be allowed to continue.

"We have a great game and there is massive scope for playing attractive rugby," Dwyer told The Australian.

"It's not supposed to be a contest to see who can cheat the best. It's who can play the best."

Dwyer claims the Lions scrummage illegally with their hookers pushing upwards and he also accuses the Lions props of bending the rules in binding.

The 1991 World Cup-winning coach also identified the Lions' delayed shove in the scrum as illegal and accused the tourists of knowingly employing illegal tactics for kick-off receipts.

Dwyer claimed their tactics at the breakdown were designed to ensure they not only win the ball but also delay the arrival of opposing players at the next ruck.

In addition, he said he has problems with their use of decoy runners in attack.

"When they run decoy plays, the decoy runner invariably makes contact with the defender. He doesn't smash him out of the way or anything so blatant, but it has the effect of impeding the defence," Dwyer said.

"You don't have to be smart to cheat," he said. "You just have to be a cheat."

The Lions camp laughed off the claims with the team's media manager Greg Thomas tweeting: "Dear Bob Dwyer thanks for giving us all a good laugh this morning, think you should give up your day job?"

The Guardian's Robert Kitson, on tour with the Lions, tweeted:" Can't say 'cheating #lions ' burblings are big shock...as the saying goes: 'Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust, If Campo (David Campese) don't get ya, Dwyer must."

The Lions were scheduled to face the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney later Saturday ahead of next week's opening Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE