Rugby: Refs are against us, claims de Villiers

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers believe certain match officials look happy when decisions are made against his side. Photo / Getty Images

Outspoken South African rugby coach Peter de Villiers believes his team are being targeted by referees because of their world No 1 status, citing officials' body language when awarding decisions against the Springboks.

In a burst that would be ranked among the better rugby conspiracy theories, de Villiers offered a stinging verdict of the officiating in South Africa's two Tri-Nations tests in Australia, particularly at scrum time in the 21-6 loss at Brisbane on Saturday, even though the Wallabies held the upper hand.

Ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations test against the All Blacks in Hamilton, de Villiers claimed jealousy at the Springboks' success was behind the inconsistent rulings.

"People don't want to see other teams being successful. That is my biggest problem at the moment," he was reported as saying on South Africa rugby website keo.co.za.

"We can't go public about certain things because we don't have all the evidence, but the body language of certain officials when things went against us in that game (Brisbane) made us worry.

"The officials were so happy when decisions went against us on the day. I am talking about the No 1 rugby team in the world. Shouldn't they really get the other guys to that level?

"Or do they want to break things down so that the game can become mediocre and everyone has a chance to win it?"

De Villiers couldn't fathom the nature of the scrum infringements awarded against his side by English referee Wayne Barnes during the Brisbane loss.

And following their win at Perth a week earlier, the Springboks mentor lodged a complaint with the International Rugby Board (IRB) over New Zealand whistler Bryce Lawrence's interpretations.

He said it was obvious that seeking a further explanation from the IRB was a "complete waste of time", as scrums weren't being correctly officiated on the field.

De Villiers was his colourful self when asked if he would contact IRB referees boss Paddy O'Brien again this week.

"I believe life within your own country is sometimes a burden because you have to face it every day but when you go outside your borders, you see that it is actually worse."

Meanwhile, the Springboks have delayed the naming of their side by a day to check on the fitness of winger Bryan Habana, who suffered a hamstring injury during the Brisbane test.

The team was to be announced today but team doctor Craig Roberts said they needed an extra day to assess the fitness of their game-breaking back.

- NZPA