Former rugby broadcaster Keith Quinn has called for two women commentators to be dismissed following a terminology blunder during Sunday's All Blacks v Namibia match.
The commentators referred to TJ Perenara's acclaimed try as "rugby league-esque" during the All Blacks' 71-9 victory over Namibia.
- Rugby World Cup 2019: TJ Perenara's 'unbelievable' try considered 'greatest' of all time
- Rugby World Cup 2019: World media reacts to All Blacks' win over Namibia
- Rugby World Cup 2019: Opinions divided over All Blacks' yellow cards against Namibia
"How sensational - that was almost rugby league-esque, wasn't it?" Spark Sport sideline reporter Kimberlee Downs commented after the try. It's understood Sky Sport broadcaster Kate King also compared Perenara's try to those commonly seen in rugby league.
Quinn, a former TVNZ rugby commentator, took to Twitter to share his opinion on the observations.
"Great try and superb pic but two reporters on TVNZ and Sky NZ later [compared it to]... 'great rugby league tries!' Whaaat? Sack those two women (I have their names!)," Quinn tweeted in response to a social media post on Perenara's try.
Although the tweet has since been deleted, Quinn later referred to the comment again.
"Now I'm gonna switch channels and see if I can see any 'rugby union tries' in the NRL final. Lol," he tweeted.
The "rugby league" reference was based on Perenara putting the ball down while being tackled in mid-air, hitting the corner flag. As Stuff reports, the method is commonly seen in the NRL but less so in rugby union due to a decade-old rule change.
- Rugby World Cup 2019: All Blacks survive Namibia scare for third pool win
- Rugby World Cup 2019: Live updates - New Zealand v Namibia
Quinn apologised on Monday after his reaction sparked controversy on Twitter, claiming it was "meant to be a joke".
"TJ's try was a great rugby union try at a Rugby World Cup," he wrote.
"I should have put 'lol' on the tweet."
Newshub.
