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The decisive moment in Australia’s impressive 34-9 victory last night in Mendoza saw returning second-rower Dean Mumm crossing for a try down the right wing side. The 59th minute try came with the visitors leading 14-9 but was, in actuality, not a try.
Mumm received a pass from replacement Wallaby Michael Hooper which appeared to drift forward. Replays confirmed that the pass was illegal and therefore no try should have been awarded. Referee Jaco Peyper did not check with the TMO while assistant referee Chris Pollock also missed it.
Peyper awarded the try before checking with Pollock to confirm that everything was alright. By law the try should have been called back with Argentina awarded a scrum at the location in which Hooper had passed to Mumm.
As Mumm scored Puma Nicolás Sánchez was lying down on his back 10 metres out. After delivering the pass Hooper had been slightly held by Sánchez which the Wallaby did not like and retaliated by delivering a punch directly to Sánchez’s temple.
Earlier this year Hayden Triggs was red carded for punching an opponent in the head in a Super Rugby match. The referee was Craig Joubert who told Triggs ”a punch to the face is a red card”. In addition to being sent off Triggs was also suspended. Joubert refereed the Rugby World Cup 2011 final in Auckland.
The incident involving Hooper and Sánchez will now be considered in the first instance by SANZAR Duty Judicial Officer Chris Morris. Wallaby Quade Cooper was yellow carded later in the match for repeated high tackles.
