Rugby:Denis Leamy believes New Zealand receive preferential treatment from referees but expects Ireland's clash with Argentina to be handled more strictly. Leamy echoed the sentiments of backrow colleague Stephen Ferris, who was dismayed that the All Blacks escaped punishment for their cynical play at the breakdown last Saturday.
Referee Marius Jonker repeatedly warned the Tri-Nations champions for killing or slowing down the ball in their 38-18 victory in Dublin, but failed to produce a yellow card. Argentina can be equally disruptive but Leamy predicts they will be shown less leniency when they bring down the curtain on the autumn series at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.
“It’s frustrating when you’re tackled and there’s a guy possibly lying there, or there’s a hand holding the ball and you can’t get it placed quickly enough,” he said. “Obviously everyone tries to do that, but when a ref spots something you’re hoping he deals with it. Possibly there were times against New Zealand when there were cases for cards.
“New Zealand are very professional at slowing down the ball and stuff like that. Argentina will be the same, but I imagine if they infringe as much as the Kiwis did, possibly we’ll see a yellow. You really need your referees to be strong and consistent but sometimes it’s maybe one law for the rich and a different one for the poor.”
Ireland will be hoping Jonker’s compatriot Mark Lawrence is more willing to use the sin-bin should Argentina transgress. A feisty fixture has traditionally been hard-fought and Sunday — the 12th time they have met — is sure to follow that pattern with the rivals separated by a single place in the world rankings.
Leamy’s only appearance against the Pumas was when Ireland were dumped out of the 2007 World Cup with a 30-15 defeat in Paris, but he knows the history between the teams.
“Argentina can be very much in your face and they play a very confrontational game,” said the Munster forward. “They certainly have a temperament that lives on the edge. We’ve played against different Argentinians at club level, and it’s a theme that runs throughout their side.
“There will no doubt be a couple of bust-ups and everything else that goes with that. A few mouthing matches too. That’s the way it is. We’ve had our little bit of history with them.
“There are two sides to everything, we’re far from being angels. It comes from both sides. There has been a bit of niggle over the last 10, 15 years probably. Maybe we bring out the worst in each other.
“I watched the game in November 2008 and it was pretty intense. I played them in 2007 and there was a lot of stuff that had been boiling over for a while. They make things difficult for you and it’s just part of the way they play the game.
“You can’t really knock them for bringing that passion and everything that goes with it.”
Leamy’s Ireland career has been interrupted by serious shoulder and ankleinjuries but the 28-year-old is enjoying being fully fit.
“In the last two years I’ve played a lot injured,” he said. “Though I wouldn’t have admitted it at the time it was difficult to get out on the pitch every week. Knowing you’re carrying something the whole time and going from game to game was stressful.
“But at the moment my body’s in as good a place as it’s been for a long time. That gives you huge confidence and I’m really enjoying my rugby.”