Nick Mallett is rugby’s equivalent to Simon Cowell. In the various talent shows adjudicated by Cowell and a group of fellow judges, it’s Cowell’s view that carries the most weight. It’s the same with Nick Mallett on SuperSport. So when Mallett says the Cheetahs should have been awarded a penalty try in their match against the Sharks, we tend to sit up and listen. Sharks prop Coenie Ooosthuizen was certainly battling in the scrum – knees on the ground and going in every direction except forwards. Referee Stuart Berry said he couldn’t give the try because the Cheetahs weren’t going forwards. But, Mallett argues, they couldn’t go forwards because Sharks players were lying in their way. Mallett also says JP Pietersen’s try was the result of another Berry error when he wrongly penalised the Cheetahs for pushing early at a scrum. The Cheetahs have other gripes against Berry, and they’re so fed up they’ve decided to lay an official complaint. – David O’Sullivan
From Sport24
Cape Town – The Cheetahs have laid official complaints to SANZAAR and SA Rugby against referee Stuart Berry, who handled their Super Rugby clash against the Sharks in Durban at the weekend.
The Cheetahs are upset that Berry did not award them a penalty try after several dominant scrums which the Sharks collapsed.
The visitors were leading 7-3 in the 24th minute when they put severe pressure on the Sharks scrum. The Cheetahs looked set to score, but the buckling Sharks scrum kept collapsing.
Despite protests from Cheetahs captain Francois Venter, Berry decided a penalty try was not warranted.
The Sharks emerged from that particular passage of play unscathed and went on to win 26-10.
Cheetahs getting a raw deal in this game. Part unlucky, part Stuart Berry. #SuperRugby #SHAvCHE
— Jacques Maree (@JacquesMaree73) July 9, 2016
The men from Bloemfontein were also upset as they felt Sharks captain Tendai Mtawarira was allowed back on to the field too soon after being yellow-carded, while Berry’s application of the advantage law was also questioned.
The Cheetahs on Monday confirmed via their official Facebook page that they had laid a complaint against Berry.Â
The statement reads: “Since Saturday’s match we have been inundated with reaction from fans over the handling of the match by referee, Stuart Berry. We share the frustration. The necessary procedures have been followed and the coaches and management have made their grievances felt at SANZAAR and SARU. It is now in their hands to take the matter further. There are measures taken against referees if there is sufficient cause and reason for action.” – Sport24
Source:Â http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/SuperRugby/cheetahs-lay-complaint-against-berry-20160712