'More ruck rubbish': Last second call in Brumbies loss to Blues under scrutiny

Beauden Barrett’s drop goal may have sealed the win but had he missed the Blues would have had another chance from right in front due to referee Damon Murphy calling a penalty at what was the last ruck of the game.

After a Roger Tuivasa-Sheck carry, reserve Brumbies back Ollie Sapsford went to compete for the ball over the top of Blues flanker Dalton Papalii who had slipped off his feet.

After a long contest, Murphy decided to penalise the Brumbies after calling for a release of the ball by the defending side. The penalty was not required by the Blues, but the contentious call was reviewed by fans.

Hosea Gear talks to RugbyPass

Hosea Gear talks to RugbyPass

Some were of the view Sapsford entered the ruck from the side, others that he was not supporting his own body weight by leaning on Papalii. Those who believed the ruck contest was fair thought the Brumbies should have been awarded the penalty.

I rewatched the last 10 minutes of this game I believe Damon referees ok.

But the last breakdown! I see it as the 23 going in the side because he doesn’t enter from behind the last feet.

This means he can’t play the ball which Damon penalised him for.

Thoughts?#BRUvBLU pic.twitter.com/3bbjpb5UpI

— Big Will (@BigWill_Rugby) May 21, 2022

What better picture do you need to show the ref you’ve won the jackal? #BRUvBLU pic.twitter.com/gKReha8YTU

— Mitch Foster (@Mitch_rugby) May 21, 2022

Wow. Feel for the Brumbies there. They deserved that. Were immense. Could there have been a ruck turnover penalty there to the Brumbies at the end? Maybe he was leaning on the Blues player and not supporting his own weight. A real heavyweight battle that. #BRUvBLU

— Frank (@GregAFC) May 21, 2022

Had to end in more ruck rubbish from Murphy. BLU turn it over with players laying in the ruck so Swain can’t place the ball se as what BRU penalised on earlier. Ends on BLU player trying to kill the ball laying on not cleaning while BRU hands on ball. #BRUvBLU

— Bart Willis (@bartinoheat) May 21, 2022

Cheers Damon Murphy, hope you’re happy, 16-5 penalty count…#BRUvBLU

— Gus (@gussy1011) May 21, 2022

Shocking call at the death by Murphy. Penalty should have been paid. He’s going to need security to leave the stadium #BRUvBLU

— Matt Griffiths (@mattagriffiths) May 21, 2022

How is that not a penalty to the Brumbies?? #BRUvBLU

— Craig M (@diminutiverowdy) May 21, 2022

The refereeing around the ruck has been atrocious over the last couple of weeks. Inconsistent and wilfully blind. NZ teams seem to be able to to cynically play in and around it with impunity, the opposite for every other side. #BRUvBLU was woeful and tainted the whole game.

— Tim Klapdor (@timklapdor) May 21, 2022

On the post-match broadcast, Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa said he expected to receive an apology this week from the officials over the calls that saw the home side on the wrong side of a 16-5 penalty count.

“We showed so much heart tonight; our backs were against the wall through the whole game,” captain Allan Alaalatoa said on Stan Sport.

“I think some of those were our fault, but mate I reckon we’ll get an apology later in the week, some videos (reviewing the penalties).

“We defended our hearts out and I just don’t feel we were getting the rub of the green … but we still managed to be up in the 79th minute.”