Last word on the World Cup - and Australia coach Ricky Stuart's *!?**?! last words, too

Those of us winging our way back to Blighty from Oz were blissfully unaware, until landing back home, of Australia coach Ricky Stuart's abuse of World Cup final match referee Ashley Klein and RFL referees controller Stuart Cummings. Stuart had a mouthful of sour grapes and gave vent to his anger during a chance meeting with the pair at Australia's team hotel in Brisbane the morning after New Zealand's historic victory. Stuart had earlier harangued ARL chairman Geoff Carr at the side of the pitch over the officials, but had refused to criticise any of their decisions at the after-match press conference.

I'd been impressed with Stuart's attitude up to that point, but recalled the words of a Sydney taxi driver a few weeks earlier: "Great isn't he, Ricky ? But, mate, wait until they lose one. He can lose it big time." He and the Kangaroos certainly did lose it big time. In the cold light of a freezing but beautifully bright morning in Leeds, I'm left to reflect on one merciful area of English superiority during the World Cup. I've bagged them on this blog and occaionally praised them, but hats off to the best officials in the world. Well done Ashley Klein, Steve Ganson and touch-judge James Child, you had a great tournament. PICTURE BY COL WHELAN/ANDREW VARLEY AGENCY

Ricky Stuart resigns in disgrace, read The Times story on the Australia coach's demise HERE

Comments

[J.HARKER]

ricky stuart oh my god.For years it has happened to the kiwis, referee makes the square gesture to the video refferee and no try ,offside penalty to australia.Not this time
NewZealand deserved the win by all means.
Nathan Cayless proved why he was captain and sam rapira probably had the best game ive ever seen him play, Issac Luke in my opinion is the best hooker in the world,Lance Hohia Lucky lucky lucky,benji marshall lucky lucky lucky, Nathan fien starting halfback for the warriors next year ivan cleary.What a kicking game he had , and in my opinion sam perret player of the game for the kiwis what a game played like a first class hooker behind the rucks.You have to hand it to the Aussies though (the ones on field not ricky stuart Manly's coach should of got the job or Melbourne)Darren fully deserved player of the game 2 tries 1 missed out, he's 1 of the players who are always there, Billy Slater what a tournement
he had.Any way the kiwis are the world champions it it said and it is done.

[St Di]

Well, I never thought I'd praise Ashley Klown but I reckon he had a corker of a world cup final. And as for Ganson ... can a man become a hero overnight? Listening to Bill and Ben on Sky harp on about St Steve's decision as if the sky (indeed) had fallen in made me cringe with embarrassment. Silly boys. Meanwhile, over on Channel 9, the two - far more professional - Aussie commentators seemed to have a much better grasp on things, one even daring to suggest the penalty try was a 'fair decision'. It was indeed. In fact, I can't think of a fairer one!

The Roos were shaken up good style by the Kiwis and the professionalism of Super League's ace ref team (I know I'll deny ever expressing that thought the minute one of them refs the Saints next season!). That neither they nor their esteemed coach can take it when it's dished out is somewhat pathetic to witness.

But well done to the boys in pink and the boys in black and white. Let's hope the boys in red and white along with Mr Smith can learn from them and next time be the ones to lift the trophy at the world cup final!

[Mailman]

Neil,

Well to be fair Neil, even Paddy O'Bryan (world cup ref boss) admitted Barnes performance was poor...BUT...I think its pointless trying to compare disappointed fans to a professional coach.

The fact is, you will NEVER find a professional like Henry behaving in the same manner as Stuart.

Did Henry whinge about Barnes inability to award a penalty in the second half after calling advantage to the All Blacks?

Did you hear Henry whinging about the forward pass that everyone else in the world picked up except Barnes?

Did you hear Henry whinge about McAlistair being sin binned, in what turned out to be a match changing call from barnes?

No...not a single peep from Henry, who in all honesty had a hell of a lot more to be upset about than Stuart.

Mailman

[Neil Madsen]

Emotions always run high when there is so much at stake at this level of sporting competition. Blaming the ref is common. Many New Zealanders incorrectly blamed Wayne Barnes for his decisions during the All Blacks loss to France in the 2007 RWC. We have all heard it before, but for Ricky Stuart to claim the RLWC result was a "conspiracy" would suggest the man is mentally unstable.

[John Marchant]

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

He has to go, I'm afraid. This is just not acceptable behaviour, espcecially as there are no grounds for his complaint.

They cheated to win against GB in 1990 (Meninga taking Offiah out so letting Stuart in to score). The difference this time? They got caught. Well done Klien and Ganson.

[Simon, Harrogate]

just hope we dont endure the same refereeing we got in the early part of last season

although they aren't saying it, i reckon we might go a bit easier on the PTB this coming season

[K Senior]

Its like de-ja-view is all this. Klein and Ganson strike again. The Chuckle bros of RFL. That Cummins aint much better the big bloater, hes all hot air is that one.

That Silverwoods a nice young lad tho. loves Leeds he does!