27 Apr 2010

Brumbies want Steve Walsh

10:05 am on 27 April 2010

The ACT Brumbies want the New Zealand referee Steve Walsh withdrawn from their crucial Super 14 match against the Queensland Reds this weekend.

Still upset about Walsh's controversial handling of the 19-12 loss to New South Wales, Wallabies playmaker Matt Giteau felt it was pointless for the Brumbies to line up at Canberra Stadium if the Sydney-based New Zealander was officiating.

Brumbies coach Any Friend remains hopeful Walsh will be dropped from the pivotal match by SANZAR referees convenor Lyndon Bray following the weekly review of officials.

It's understood the ACT-based outfit completed a scathing report of the refereeing in Sydney last Saturday night where they were unhappy with numerous areas, especially a disallowed try to Adam Ashley-Cooper and countless scrum resets and penalties.

Brumbies skipper Stephen Hoiles and Walsh had some heated verbal exchanges during the match.

Australian whistleblower Paul Marks was dumped from a round five appointment after being deemed to have delivered a crucial wrong call by not awarding the Sharks a match-winning penalty try against the Waratahs from an illegal Kurtley Beale knockdown.