This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

The Emotions And The Plaudits Flow After 'The Best' World Cup

Why Giteau Gave Cheika A 'Gob-ful' During The RWC Final
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Matt Giteau of Australia receives treatment for an injury during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Dan Mullan via Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Matt Giteau of Australia receives treatment for an injury during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Protocols to restrict potentially concussed rugby players returning to the field prompted a blow-up on the sideline between Wallabies coach Michael Cheika and player Matt Giteau, in their first major test.

Giteau's World Cup final was over fairly quickly on Saturday at Twickenham -- and he was not happy about it.

Suffering a knock to the head in the 25th minute of the game against New Zealand, Australia's Matt Giteau -- looking dazed and shaken -- walked from the field to undergo a mandatory concussion test. He was immediately ruled out for the rest of the match.

Giteau has had a dream year, returning to the Wallabies fold to become a key player and leader in the team's World Cup campaign -- something which was never on his radar just a year ago.

At half-time in Saturday's Final, Giteau reportedly gave coach Michael Cheika a mouthful about the decision to relegate him to the bench for the remainder of the game.

Cheika says however that it was out of his control and under the new World Rugby player welfare protocols regarding concussion there are independent medical staff who adjudicate any instances of head injury and their decision is not contestable.

"The medical referee made that decision, that's how he interpreted the situation. Gits gave me a gobful at half-time as to why he was off. But our hands are tied, there's nothing we can do about it," he said.

In other post World Cup news, reports have emerged that Australia's David Pocock may have been involved in a kicking incident with All Black's captain Richie McCaw.

A report in the NZ Herald has raised questions as to whether Pocock, in attempting to extract his leg from McCaw's grip when the two were tangled in a ruck contest, has accidentally or deliberately made contact with the All Blacks captain's face.

Meanwhile, Pocock has continued in the same vein as many of his team mates to sing the praises of the tournament and the experience of participating in the World Cup.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.