Former England and British & Irish Lions flanker James Haskell has launched a scathing attack on ex-Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie, branding his reaction to a crucial 2013 series flashpoint as "utter c***p".
The explosive comments come a decade after the infamous incident during the Lions' tour of Australia, where a controversial penalty decision helped seal the tourists' series victory.
The Flashpoint That Changed the Series
With the 2013 series poised at 1-1, the decisive third Test in Sydney saw referee Romain Poite penalise Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper for a dangerous tackle on Lions winger George North. The resulting penalty allowed Leigh Halfpenny to kick what proved to be the match-winning points.
"I've just watched Ewen McKenzie's reaction to that incident from 2013," Haskell revealed. "Absolute nonsense. The Wallabies were lucky not to have players sent off earlier in that series for far worse offences."
Haskell's Fiery Defence
The 77-cap England international didn't hold back in his assessment: "McKenzie's comments about the refereeing were hypocritical at best. His team had been pushing the boundaries all series, and that penalty was completely justified."
Haskell, who was part of the Lions squad that tour but didn't feature in the Test series, suggested the Wallabies' complaints were simply sour grapes after failing to close out the series.
The Legacy of 2013
The 2013 Lions tour remains one of the most dramatic in recent memory, with Warren Gatland's side securing their first series win since 1997. The contentious decisions from that decisive Test continue to spark debate among rugby fans worldwide.
"People forget how physical that series was," Haskell added. "The Wallabies were no angels, and to hear their coach complain about one marginal call years later is laughable."
The former Wasps star's comments have reignited discussion about one of rugby's most memorable modern rivalries, with fans divided over whether justice was served in that fateful Sydney showdown.
