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Cape Town - Not for the first time in his career, local referee Egon Seconds has copped criticism for his officiating.
This past weekend, Seconds came under fire for his handling of the Lions' narrow win over the Waratahs in Johannesburg.
Post-match in the SuperSport studio, former Springbok coach Nick Mallett said the Johannesburg-based franchise had received a few fortuitous calls.
According to SANZAAR's official website, Seconds penalised the Sydneysiders 11 times, while the hosts only conceded two penalties the entire match.
Mallett commented: "We can't not talk about the officiating in that second half. I think it was very difficult for Michael Hooper (Waratahs captain) to come out and say it has been a tough game between two teams who were having a crack at each other. Quick frankly, there were a couple of calls that went the way of the Lions."
Mallett made special mention of a pass that had gone forward in the build-up to a Lions try early in the second half.
"That pass was dramatically forward, two metres forward and it ends up being a Lions try. It is not a close call. It is forward out of the hands.
Seconds was assisted by an all-South African crew of assistant referees - Rasta Rasivhenge and Jaco Peyper - while Willie Vos was the TMO.
Seconds was also involved in at least three bizarre instances in the match (watch below) when he got in the way of players and was bumped out of their path.
The penalty count was 11-2 against the Waratahs and referee Egon Seconds featured in some truly bizarre moments. ?????? pic.twitter.com/4ZEACOEmDK
— FOX SPORTS Rugby (@FOXRUGBY) May 12, 2019
