KNOCK IT OFF! THIS WAS A KNOCK-ON!
Tackler Brown insists the ref got Fifita call correct after peaceful protest by Tonga fans
KEVIN BROWN insists ref Matt Cecchin got the controversial last-gasp knock-on call against Tonga’s Andrew Fifita right – after protests against the decision took place in Auckland.
Thousands of Tonga fans took to the streets the day after the epic semi-final, which ended with Fifita claiming the ball had been stripped from his grasp before he regathered to touch down.
Cecchin made the on-field decision that Fifita knocked on, bringing to an end a stirring Mate Ma’a comeback that saw them reduce a 20point gap, including John Bateman’s try (below) to two in just over five minutes.
It sparked a peaceful protest in the New Zealand city yesterday that was started by a Facebook group, while more than 50,000 have signed an online petition to have the decision reviewed.
But England stand-off Brown maintains it was the correct call as his side now look ahead to Saturday’s final with Australia in Brisbane.
Brown, who was involved in the tackle that saw Fifita spill possession, said: “We were all just throwing our bodies in.
“We were running on empty – to a man we couldn’t have tried any harder. I saw the ball come out and I threw everything into Fifita’s legs and Elliott Whitehead did the same and luckily for us he dropped the ball. It was one of the happiest moments of my life seeing the referee call time.
“I understand them wanting to go to the screen, it is the semi-final of the World Cup and it was the last tackle of the game.
“Regardless of what happens you are going to argue.
“I can fully understand it but I have watched it and it was a knock-on.”
Brown, 33, also lifted the lid on his recent concussion drama. He was only cleared to play in Saturday’s clash 24 hours before the game, after being knocked out in the previous round against Papua New Guinea. He has a history of concussions and had to go through the tournament protocol to play his part in England’s win. But he insists he wouldn’t have risked his health or the prospect of not being fully fit for his team-mates on such a big stage. Brown said: “Obviously I have had a few concussions and I completely understand the reasons why I had to go through everything. “I did all the right protocol and saw the specialist, my own doctor, and passed every test during the game, after the game and throughout the week.
“On Friday I was cleared – I had to get through a bit of contact and did a head test again. It’s really good that they look after you now but I was really confident that I was fit.
“If I wasn’t ready I would have put my hand up as well. I wouldn’t have risked being unfit in this game and letting the boys down.”
England will be without hooker Josh Hodgson for Saturday’s final after he was ruled out with a serious knee injury. He was helped off in the 24th minute and could miss half of the NRL season with Canberra due to a damaged anterior cruciate ligament.