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"Probably the most gutting way to finish a game”

<p dir="ltr">Just a few seconds of gameplay have put the Bledisloe Cup out of reach of the Wallabies yet again after losing to the All Blacks by just two points following a controversial call from the referee.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Australian team had recovered from an 18-point deficit to lead 37-34 with just a minute left on the clock.</p> <p dir="ltr">When they were awarded a penalty just five metres from the goal line, the Wallabies chose Bernard Foley to take the kick, with referee Mathieu Raynal warning him not to use delaying tactics.</p> <p dir="ltr">As the clock ticked down on the final 60 seconds of the match, Raynal penalised Foley for time wasting, giving the All Blacks a free kick.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I say to your player, I say switch on the time and you play immediately and he wait, he wait, he wait, so that’s a scrum for the All Blacks,” Raynal told stand-in captain Nic White.</p> <p dir="ltr">Raynal’s call drew criticism from the commentators, with Stan Sport commentator Tim Horan describing the call as “ridiculous”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I thought it was a disgraceful decision from the referee," Horan told Nine.</p> <p dir="ltr">"There's 90 seconds left in the game and he cracked under pressure, in one of the biggest games here in Australia.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's a disgraceful decision and World Rugby need to look at it.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The big referees make decisions at that late part of the game and are calm about it.</p> <p dir="ltr">The All Blacks then used the penalty to their advantage, with fullback Jordie Barrett scoring and securing victory for the Kiwis.</p> <p dir="ltr">With a final score of 39-37, the All Blacks have continued the winning streak they’ve held since 2003.</p> <p dir="ltr">The loss devastated the Aussies, as fullback Andrew Kellaway described it as a “hard one to swallow” and captain James Slipper added that they “just fell short”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Absolutely gutted,” Slipper said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I actually don’t know what to say but we really wanted to put in a performance tonight and we just fell short there.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That is probably the most gutting way to finish a game in my opinion.”</p> <p dir="ltr"> Wallabies coach Dave Rennie also shared his players’ disappointment.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm gutted for our men because I reckon we deserved better," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It was a hell of a game of footy.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-663bfb33-7fff-dc52-da37-b0ea8cd63add"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The Bledisloe Cup will see the Wallabies jet off to Auckland for their next match against the All Blacks to face them once again on Saturday, September 24.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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"Outbursts of crying": Kefu speaks for the first time since brutal home invasion

<p>Wallabies star Toutai Kefu has spoken out for the first time since a brutal home invasion that left his family in hospital. </p> <p>He spoke to reporters outside his Brisbane home, saying "I'm taking it day-by-day."</p> <p>"At times you just, you know, there's outbursts of crying."</p> <p>Toutai's wife Rachel will remain in the hospital for a further two weeks, and may never gain full use of her arms back. </p> <p>Toutai, his daughter Maddi and son Josh were also stabbed during the attack. </p> <p>The invasion took place on Monday morning, when Toutai's wife heard rustling noises that she mistook for a possum. </p> <p>When she went to investigate, she was confronted by four teenage boys, aged between 13 and 15, and the invasion quickly turned violent. </p> <p>The teenagers allegedly started to attack the family with a machete and an axe, waking up Josh. </p> <p>"He absolutely went into beast mode, you know, I had the two intruders on me and he just jumped in with no fear, and he copped a couple of hacks to his back," Toutai said.</p> <p>"It could have been certainly a different outcome if he didn't turn up, he had no thought for his own safety."</p> <p>The four teenage boys responsible for the attack have been charged with 44 offences, including grievous bodily harm and attempted murder. </p> <p>Toutai thanked the police, doctors, members of the public and the rugby union community for the flood of support since the attack. </p> <p>"I'd just like to thank everyone for keeping us in their thoughts during that time."</p> <p>He said, "As a family we're very, very grateful and thankful to have that kind of support, so we really appreciate it."</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty Images</em></p>

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Wallabies legend rushed to hospital after home stabbing

<p><span>Former Wallabies star Toutai Kefu is in hospital after suffering serious injuries during an alleged home invasion at his home in Coorparoo, Brisbane on Monday morning.</span><br /><br /><span>Three members of Mr Kefu's family were also rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital after reportedly being attacked as well.</span><br /><br /><span>Mr Kefu is the Tongan rugby union team head coach, and reportedly sustained an abdominal wound.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843145/toutai-kefu-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6f7d17686a4d4bd29a6be533da31bdb5" /></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em><br /><br /><span>A man in his 20s will also allegedly need to undergo medical care for lacerations to his abdomen and back, while a woman in her 40s received an arm injury.</span><br /><br /><span>A teenage girl also has a hand injury.</span><br /><br /><span>Police say the attack happened after men broke into a house on Buena Vista Avenue.</span><br /><br /><span>One man was restrained and has been taken into custody.</span><br /><br /><span>The other offenders fled the scene in a car that sped off toward Woolloongabba.</span><br /><br /><span>Two men have been taken into custody but police say they have not been charged just yet.</span><br /><br /><span>Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) has released a statement following the “shocking incident" involving Mr Kefu.</span><br /><br /><span>"Our thoughts and prayers are with Toutai and his family at this time," the QRU said.</span><br /><br /><span>"We offer our support to them and the wider Queensland rugby community who are affected by the incident."</span><br /><br /><span>Mr Kefu is a legendary sportsman in his own right, competing in 60 tests in the forwards for Australia, during his seven-year international career.</span><br /><br /><span>The 47-year-old made his debut for the Wallabies against South Africa in 1997 in Pretoria.</span><br /><br /><span>In 2001, he scored the match-winning try against the All Blacks, which gave Australia victory in the Bledisloe Cup.</span><br /><br /><span>He finished as the most capped Wallaby number eight of all time, with 58 tests.</span><br /><br /><span>He has been the head coach of the Tongan national rugby side since 2016.</span><br /><br /><span>He coached the squad through to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.</span></p>

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Israel Folau and Rugby Australia reach million dollar settlement

<p>Rugby Australia and disgraced sportsman Israel Folau have reportedly ended their bitter legal battle after months of back and forth, for a reported $8 million. </p> <p>According to reports, RA apologised to the former Wallabies fullback star in an out-of-court settlement on Wednesday to avoid a lengthy court battle. </p> <p>Folau, whose contract was terminated after writing “hell awaits” gay people, among others, in an Instagram post in April, was seeking $14 million in compensation. </p> <p>While the exact amount is still to be revealed, The Daily Telegraph reported Falou agreed to an $8 million settlement. </p> <p>Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle told stakeholders the details of the settlement were confidential.</p> <p>“The terms of the settlement are confidential but importantly Israel's legal claim has been withdrawn and whilst we were very confident in our legal position, this outcome provides certainty for Rugby Australia and allows us to avoid incurring ongoing legal costs and the risks and distractions of a lengthy trial,” she said. </p> <p>RA maintains they firmly disagree with the post made by Folau in April.<span> </span></p> <p>Folau says he and his wife Maria feel “vindicated” by Wednesday’s settlement.</p> <p>“We are extremely pleased with the settlement reached today," Folau said in a video.</p> <p>“Maria and I would like to thank God for his guidance and strength,' he said.</p> <p>“Thank you to our supporters for their thoughts and prayers, in particular our families, our congregation as well as Martyn Iles and the Australian Christian Lobby.”</p> <p>Folau hopes their case will lead to greater religious freedom.  </p> <p>“We started this journey on behalf of all people of faith to protect their rights of freedom of speech and religion,” he said.</p> <p>“We now look forward to the federal government enacting the legislation necessary to further protect and strengthen these rights for all Australians.”</p> <p>Rugby Australia issued a statement where they said: “The social media post reflected Mr Folau's genuinely held religious beliefs, and Mr Folau did not intend to harm or offend any person when he uploaded the social media post.”</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7RPbOWqlA74" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Folau has released his own apology where he said he wants all Australians to know “that he does not condone discrimination of any kind against any person on the ground of their sexuality and that he shares Rugby Australia's commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.</p> <p>“Similarly, Mr Folau did not intend to hurt or harm the game of rugby and acknowledges and apologises for any hurt or harm caused.”</p> <p>While the former cross-coder footballer did not announce any plans to return to his beloved sport – he says he looks forward to “moving on with his life” to “focus on his faith”.</p> <p><strong>UPDATE:<span> </span></strong>Castle fronted media speculation on Thursday to refute the “wildly inaccurate” settlement amount reported. </p> <p>"Folau settlement numbers are confidential but numbers being speculated are wildly inaccurate," Castle said in a tweet on Thursday morning.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Folau settlement numbers are confidential but numbers being speculated are wildly inaccurate</p> — Raelene Castle (@raelenecastle) <a href="https://twitter.com/raelenecastle/status/1202322497661616128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Castle further reiterated the nature of the settlement is strictly confidential and cannot be discussed in detail. </p> <p>"I can't talk about the settlement numbers, but we're in a better position than if we went to court," Castle said.</p> <p>"We had a number that we knew was more cost effective to us to settle."</p> <p>Castle said the decision was a "commercial decision" and a "normal process" aimed at avoiding the risk of paying more if court proceedings didn't go their way.</p> <p>"It allows us to not have the uncertainty of a trial," she told reporters.</p> <p>"We didn't get it wrong.</p> <p>"At the end of the day we stood up for the values of Rugby Australia of inclusiveness."</p> <p> </p>

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“Utter disbelief”: Wallabies player’s mother involved in Israel Folau scandal

<p>Wallabies players are said to be in “utter disbelief” after a mother of young Wallabies star Jordan Petaia has admitted to “infiltrating” Israel Folau’s church.</p> <p>Helen Petaia confessed to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/wallabies-mother-infiltrates-church-run-by-israel-folaus-father/news-story/8ba7761db554bea22040c64a981e1037" target="_blank">The Herald Sun</a></em><span> </span>that she was the anonymous parent who had gone undercover in Folau’s church to learn more about it.</p> <p>She explained that she became concerned when Folau started inviting players to the church that was set up by his father Eni in 2013. The church is called the Truth of Jesus Christ Church.</p> <p>"I honestly do not want my son involved in what I have come to understand is false teachings and counterfeit Christianity,” she told <em>The Herald.</em></p> <p>Helen explained that it “disturbed her greatly” after deciding to attend the church for herself.</p> <p>“I’ve gone, I’ve checked it out and I would call them an isolated hate group.”</p> <p>However, her actions might have had the opposite effect as the Wallabies camp has sent a flood of messages of support for Folau.</p> <p>According to<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/mother-of-wallabies-star-jordan-petaia-infiltrates-church-run-by-israel-folaus-father/news-story/582fd00bbcfc19736916671db0f5ac72" target="_blank"><em>The Australian</em></a>, “many of the messages expressed players’ disappointment and ‘utter disbelief’ that Petaia’s mother had gone to such ‘extreme lengths’, going to the media to warn of Folau’s ­religious beliefs and her concerns about his influence on young rugby players.”</p> <p>Helen has since spoken out about the controversy, saying that Folau’s father Eni has said that she’s “going to hell”.</p> <p>“I have no doubt many Christian parents would be concerned if their child was to become entangled in the false teachings and religious practices Israel Folau endorses,” she told <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/rugby-world-cup-2019/jordan-petaias-infiltrated-israel-folaus-church-to-protect-her-son/news-story/1815de9c460381a387a6c4e6584de084" target="_blank">The Daily Telegraph</a></em>.</p> <p>“There are many Christian leaders who agree with my assessment of the Folau church.”</p>

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“Complete joke”: Wallabies World Cup “disgraceful” move

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wallabies star Samu Kerevi has said he would consider a switch to the NRL after being penalised for a controversial tactic - a move that contributed to Australia’s 29-25 loss on Sunday. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The sportsman was whistled for a penalty after his fend-off of Welsh fly half Rhys Patchell appeared to slip up to the opponents throat. </span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B28Z4N2j9Fe/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B28Z4N2j9Fe/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by SAMUELÁ VATUNIVEIVUKE (@samukerevi_)</a> on Sep 27, 2019 at 10:52pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Captain Michael Hooper became clearly frustrated after the third penalty was awarded against the Wallabies in the first half. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The match referee Romain Poite’s explanation for the penalty was given following an extensive number of replays. </span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7831302/wallabies-rugby-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1bdac0888bce471bb3e872d1a060431f" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em> Samu Kerevi was penalised for leading with the arm against Wales' Rhys Patchell.</em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They deemed Kerevi had dangerously raised his forearm into Patchell's chest/neck area.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, he believes he has done nothing wrong and slow motion replays had worked against him. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"I've been playing with that for my whole career. It's the first time I've heard that I can't lead with my arms and bump," he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"The worrying thing is if he's falling and I keep moving forward, which I would normally do, I could touch his head."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"What do we do in that split second? ... I might as well just stop."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While Patchell missed the resulting penalty kick, Wales scored a dubious try on a missed offside call just seconds before half time. </span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2_ftE0DnPP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2_ftE0DnPP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Wallabies (@wallabies)</a> on Sep 29, 2019 at 3:40am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wales led 23-8 at the break and </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fox Sports</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> commentator Phil Kearns shared his opinion on the officiating clear.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The whole refereeing display has been disgraceful,” Kearns said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Just embarrassing.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hoover couldn’t hold back his own fury after the penalty was called by Poite and TMO. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Can we not run into the tackle anymore?” he asked.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“That is terrible tackle technique, he’s (Kerevi) just done a very good carry.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We can’t carry if that’s going to be the ruling.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wallabies fans took to social media to share their own opinions with one deeming Poite’s call as a “horrible decision”. </span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Horrible decision!! How can Kerevi control where the opposition tackles. Penalty for poor tackle technique. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvWAL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvWAL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rugbyworldcup2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rugbyworldcup2019</a></p> — Dean Mumm (@DeanMumm) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeanMumm/status/1178226634941288449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Rugby now officially a complete joke. What a farce. Runners now have to protect tacklers doing stupid things.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvWAL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvWAL</a></p> — Mark Riley (@Riley7News) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riley7News/status/1178226984939245568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">What's going on with rugby? You can't run into player and fend them off now? It's a contact sport. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvWAL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvWAL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RWC2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RWC2019</a></p> — Arvind Hickman (@ArvindHickman) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindHickman/status/1178226899287511040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a></blockquote>

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Exhausted wallaby rescued at sea

<div class="yiv1372129280" id="yiv1372129280yui_3_16_0_1_1449783217967_65344"> <p>A group of marina biologists have rescued a wallaby almost a kilometre off the New South Wales north coast in Australia. The creature- whom they affectionately named "Swampy"- was confused and exhausted, found treading water out at sea.</p> <p>“We see this thing swimming – it’s like a hairy thing,” says Laura Sanchez-Peregrine, who spotted the stranded wallaby.</p> <p>“At first I thought it was a seal, but we came closer and it was a big wallaby, maybe a 25-kilogram wallaby — a big male,” she said in an interview with the Australian Women’s Weekly.</p> <p>Laura and her fellow students managed to hoist the exhausted wallaby on board their small tin boat, bobby off-shore in Coffs Harbour.</p> <p>“At first, it was very difficult: he was defensive (and wallabies have huge claws), and we almost gave up and left it all in hands of Natural Selection,” she said on her Instagram account. “But we tried hard and we managed to bring him up on board, tied his legs up with a rope, put a towel on his head to calm him down. And he was all calm and still on the way back to the shore, not complaining much.”</p> <p>When they got to the shore, it was clear the poor guy was exhausted. After a few moments of recovery, and no doubt glad to be on solid ground, he bounded away.</p> <p>“And then yeah, he just went- hopped off and waved goodbye.” </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/clever-cop-saves-dog/">Clever cop saves dog with a moment of inspiration</a></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/happiest-dogs-in-the-world/">The happiest dogs in the world</a></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/interspecies-animal-friendships/">15 unlikely friendships that will melt your heart</a></em></strong></p> </div>

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