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'The decision was made quickly': Maroons were surprised at Kaufusi sin binning

(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Queensland coach Billy Slater refused to criticise the officiating of Ashley Klein after he sin-binned Maroons backrower Felise Kaufusi at a critical stage in State of Origin II on Sunday.

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Klein’s opening game performance had been criticised by NSW coach Brad Fittler, who accused the referee of allowing Queensland to stray offside and slow down the ruck.

But Klein showed he was willing to send infringing players to the sin bin when Kaufusi was dismissed for a 10-minute spell late in the first half.

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The Blues then scored just before half-time for a 14-12 lead at the break.

While the Maroons battled when reduced to 12 men, the Blues’ period of numerical advantage began to tell late on with NSW scoring 30 unanswered second-half points to win 44-12 and square the series.

“Fatigue plays a part in the game and when you’re down to 12 men you are a lot more fatigued,” Slater said.

“I’ll have to go back and look at the penalties individually but that’s the referees’ job. We won’t use that as an excuse.”

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Klein had penalised the Maroons for a quartet of infringements late in the first half when NSW were camped on Queensland’s line.

Skipper Daly Cherry-Evans twice handed NSW fresh sets of six, while hooker Harry Grant gifted one to the Blues with an attempt to slow down the ruck.

It was the fourth of the infringements which prompted Klein to lay down the law when Kaufusi was part of a tackle to halt NSW prop Junior Paulo on the line.

Kaufusi lay over Paulo for the best part of 10 seconds, prompting Klein to send the Maroons back-rower for a 10-minute spell.

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Former NSW coach Phil Gould took issue with Klein’s decision in commentary for the Nine Network, claiming the Maroons deserved a team warning before being reduced to 12.

Cherry-Evans said the Maroons were surprised.

“I felt the decision was made quickly considering the amount of infringements we had,” the Queensland skipper said.

“You don’t know when you are going to get those decisions against you.

“Every time you get someone sent for 10 it does come as a bit of a shock.”

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R
RedWarrior 41 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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