OK, I've read through this thread endlessly now, attempting to stay out of it. But like a fly to shit, a fat kid to cake or a penis to a hoover, here I go.
- I don't think Franks necessarily "gouged" but he did put his hands all over the face and peepers (yes, I think there's a difference). I would say a lot rests on the reaction of Douglas in the moment, the evidence (scratch, injury etc..), and then a statement after the match. Given we haven't seen or heard boo says something. However, for the match review not to want to investigate further is dodgy, without explaining why. I would be content to see Franks miss a SMALL amount of games even without a "gouge" just for being in that area. You can reasonably argue it was worse.
- Phipps throwing the boot away was just petty, nothing else. In days gone past, the boot might have sailed 10 metres past the player on it's way back, but not the fucking stands. It's just more evidence that this "rivalry" has turned a little sour. "Much ado"
- Poite was hopeless though the players subsequently made it worse for him. He couldn't control the scrum, there was no reasonable contest there all night. The game turned into a farce in the last 20 mins, something the AB's have admitted they will take advantage of, because they have enough nous to play to the ref. He undoubtedly treated Stephen Moore and other Wallabies unfairly and with contempt. Don't get me wrong, this is still Cheika and Moore's fault, but he took it way too far.
- Just repeating others here but Cheika needs to smarten up. You can't be seen to react with "F**k Off, F**king S*** C**t" on TV. Does anyone believe that other referees don't watch these games, that Poite won't find out about it? Hansen, bit of a prick, pokes the bear and gets everything he wants.
- I'm pulling a classic schoolyard quote here, "they started it". The Wallabies clearly came to the game with conspiracy to commit niggle. The AB's subsequently returned fire. End result; scrappy game, blighted with stoppages.
- There should have been more yellow cards to the AB's, particularly for Squire and A.Savea. You shouldn't get away with haircuts like those.
- All the other shit, bugging, meetings, sportscraft sweaters is irrelevant to rugby, which we should all try to remember is (or used to be) fun.
Finally, don't fret Wallaby fans. Your next game is against SA who have far deeper problems and the Argentina games should be extremely fun. Also stick with Cooper but don't let him tackle anyone.