Conor O'Shea says Harlequins' margin of victory against Sale would have been greater but for poor refereeing decisions.
New Quins boss wonders why "so many big decisions are wrong"
Harlequins rugby director Conor O'Shea says his side's margin of victory against Sale would have been greater but for what he considered to be a number of poor refereeing decisions.
Although O'Shea's side ended their season with a 35-20 Guinness Premiership victory against the Sharks, he said he will sit down with rugby's refereeing hierarchy this week to discuss what he sees as an alarming trend.
He said: "I find it disappointing that our discipline was poor on a number of occasions. That has been a problem this season for us.
"But I find it amazing that so many big decisions are wrong this campaign. There were big decisions out there with which I disagreed and which made the game tighter than it needed to be.
"Was Tom Williams really in touch as he headed for the goal line? Should there not have been a yellow card before Mathew Tait set out to score. There are similar situations that come to mind from this season and while I know it is a really difficult job out there I think it is something that needs addressing."
O'Shea was, however, more positive on his future at the club he joined six weeks ago as the long-awaited successor to Dean Richards, currently serving a three-year ban following last season's fake blood scandal.
He added: "It was an emotional send-off for David Strettle and Tani Fuga. But we went away from doing the simple things after establishing a 12-0 lead early on.
"When we do the simple things we are both physical and effective. There was a lot of commitment out there from both teams and the number of guys who required treatment bears testament to that.
"But it was a good end to the season and we are really happy with the players we have here in terms of planning for next season. I keep saying to the boys 'don't get bored doing the simple things well'.
"We have the firepower in our squad and a great new training ground at Guildford and before you know where you are it will be time for the double header at Twickenham in September to start the new season.
"I've only been at the club six weeks but they have been great weeks and I have been really impressed by the atmosphere generated by the crowd so I can't wait to start a whole new season here and see everything in place from the beginning."
Harsh
Sale rugby director Kingsley Jones praised both sides for their commitment in a match which had nothing at stake, but also felt the final scoreline was harsh.
He said: "I think the fifth try was cruel because in that second half I thought the very least we would do would draw. But I think there is a lot of positives there to be taken by both teams.
"We had to readjust our midfield which the boys did well but this was no end of season rubber, there was no throw it around nonsense, it was a really hard contest.
"We made costly mistakes however, and not for the first time this season and we were punished for them.
"But we had a number of young guys out there who are learning on a big stage and by the time we start next season a lot of things will be in place, and there is certainly much for us to take on board from this campaign.
"Dean Schofield ends his stay with us and it was probably his best game so we wish him all the best."
