Fijivillage
7 February, 2026, 5:02 pm
Central - 29°C Rain
7 February, 2026, 5:02 pm Central - 29°C Rain

Cooper calls out NZ referee Angus Mabey for controversial calls made in Drua vs Waratahs game

Cooper calls out NZ referee Angus Mabey for controversial calls made in Drua vs Waratahs game

By Mosese Raqio
03/03/2025

Former Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper has called out New Zealand referee Angus Mabey for some of his poor decisions in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua versus Waratahs game where the Waratahs won 29-24 in round 3 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific last Friday.

In a post on X, Cooper stated that some of the best footy was being played in this game but unfortunately some poor refereeing at the same time.

He says he would love to see referees doing post-match interviews just like players do and answer questions on some of their calls.

Mabey delivered some controversial calls in that match and the most crucial one was the penalty try that he awarded the Waratahs in the final minutes of the game that gave them a 29-24 win over the Drua.

Meanwhile, Waratahs skipper Jake Gordon agreed during the post-match interview that there were some controversial calls made in the match but they could not blame the referee as his hands were full.

Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere says he was disappointed with some of the calls by the referee and the touch judges but he did his job and questioned them.

The Fijian Drua has slipped down to 10th place after their 3rd loss with 3 points.

They will take on the Chiefs at 3.35pm this Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

In other matches this week, the Blues will host the Brumbies at 6.35pm Friday, Moana Pasifika will take on the Hurricanes at 6.05pm Saturday, the Waratahs will play the Force at 8.35pm Saturday, and the Crusaders will host the Reds at 2.35pm Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women currently lead the Super W points table with 4 points after their 23-17 win over Waratahs Women on Friday.

The Drua Women will take on the Reds at 1.05pm this Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

FNRL
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