Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has hit back at the All Blacks for going public with their issues with some of the refereeing during the first Bledisloe Cup test, suggesting they're attempting to influence the officiating for this Sunday's rematch in Auckland.
Earlier this week, All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree claimed that referee Paul Williams had allowed too much off-the-ball tactics from the Australians during the 16-16 draw in Wellington last weekend.
"There were some late charges - you guys saw all that - and there were one or two other incidents," Plumtree said. "But All Blacks don't cry, we just get on with it."
In response, Rennie has accused the All Blacks of inappropriately airing their dirty laundry in public.
"In my opinion, we don’t need to air that sort of stuff through the media," Rennie says.
"And why would we do that? Are we trying to influence the referee for the next game and that sort of thing or?"
Rennie describes Plumtree's comments as a "smokescreen", implying they're a cover-up for the All Blacks' short-comings in the thriller at Sky Stadium.
He says he's gone through the "right channels" with his feedback from last weekend's test, liaising with World Rugby referee boss Paddy O'Brien to speak directly with Williams.
"You've got an opportunity to go straight to the referee, so I'm not sure if he's appealing to the masses.
"I'm a little bit surprised by those comments."
Rennie has made four changes to the Wallabies squad for this weekend's rematch, as they try to snap a 34-year losing streak at Eden Park.
Join us at 4pm Sunday for live updates of the second All Blacks v Wallabies Bledisloe Cup test
