Frustrated British rugby league coach Brian Noble said he wanted a word with Tri-Nations referees boss Robert Finch after a string of decisions against his side in their 4-34 thrashing to New Zealand on Saturday.
Although Noble conceded New Zealand deserved to win the crucial match, he said the scoreline could have been much closer.
Great Britain must now beat Australia in their final pool match next weekend if they are to overtake New Zealand and qualify for the final and a repeat match with the Kangaroos.
Noble was particularly aggrieved that tries by Gareth Raynor and Leon Pryce against New Zealand were disallowed by Australian video referee Graham West, and a penalty was not reversed after a punch-up in the 10th minute.
Raynor seemed hard done by with replays inconclusive on whether he had full control of the ball when he forced a Paul Wellens grubber just before halftime, when the British Lions trailed 16-4.
”I thought Raynor’s try was fair — 16-10 would have been a lot better than 16-4,” said Noble, who indicated he would see Finch after the team returned to Sydney.
”I don’t think we’ve had a decent call the whole trip. We’re not getting a few of those 50-50 calls are we?”
Pryce was denied in the 66th minute when Wellens was penalised for obstructing David Kidwell.
Noble was also mystified at Australian referee Paul Simpkins’ handling of the game’s only flare-up, when rival centres Keith Senior and Steve Matai were sent to the sin bin.
New Zealand was awarded a penalty after Danny McGuire appeared to knee Matai on the ground, but the fiery Kiwi sparked a melee by getting up and throwing the ball at McGuire’s head, drawing Senior into the fray.
Noble described the yellow cards as an ”over the top” reaction but was surprised the penalty was not awarded to his side.
”I don’t know why he didn’t reverse the penalty, the guy threw the ball at him.”
Noble said he would also revisit Simpkins’ officiating at the play the ball, reiterating claims the Kiwis deliberately slow the Lions’ ability to recycle possession.
”We’re not getting parity in relation to the policing of the rucks, it’s something we’ll mention again,” said Noble, frustrated the Kiwis were given latitude they would not enjoy under English Super League rules.
While Noble was critical of the way the match panned out, he was quick to acknowledge the Kiwis were the dominant team with their six tries to one triumph.
”We were getting two or three good plays per set, the Kiwis were getting six plays — and found a kick at the end,” he said.
”It was the Kiwis’ night, everything seemed to bounce their way.” – Sapa-AFP