All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan has slammed referee Damon Murphy for his controversial red-carding of Jordie Barrett during New Zealand's comprehensive win in the third and final Bledisloe Cup test in Perth.
Barrett was sent to the showers early, after leaping to collect a high ball and connecting with his boot to Aussie Marika Koroibete's head. Although the contact seemed accidental, Australian Murphy chose to bypass his yellow card and go straight for his red.
The ruling has divided opinion among rugby fans, with Sir John adding his voice to those who believe Barrett was harshly treated, even suggesting Koroibete was equally at fault for tackling an airborne player.
"Absolute bad call, for me," Sir John says on Sky Sport's Breakdown.
"I think actually there was probably fault on both sides - don't you need to let the player land before you actually attack him?
"[Barrett's] a bit off balance leaning backwards, your leg always kicks out. Ridiculous decision."
Ultimately, the fullback's departure had little impact on the outcome and was mitigated by new World Rugby laws, which see a red-carded player replaced after 20 minutes.
In fact, the All Blacks were still able to score a try while a player short, before Damian McKenzie returned them to their full complement and they stormed to a 38-21 win.
"We've spoken about how referees just need to get a feel for it there, take a breath," Sir John continues.
"Besides that, I thought the ref was pretty good, but that was a bad decision. Unfortunately, the Wallabies could just not take advantage of it."
Although he sympathised with Murphy's predicament, All Blacks coach Ian Foster disagreed with Murphy's ruling and intended contesting the decision with SANZAAR's judiciary.
If found guilty of dangerous play, Barrett faces suspension.
"Pretty surprised, to be honest," Foster said after the match. "We'll have a good look at it, but certainly, we'll probably be putting a bit of a case together for that one.
"He just lost balance and you could see he tilted [in the air].
"I feel sorry for the refs in situations like this, because technically, they saw things and they make their decision, so I get all that."
A judgement from World Rugby is expected within the next day.
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