Rugby Australia has rejected accusations of discrimination after the Wallaroos and Black Ferns were unable to warm-up on ANZ Stadium before their first double-header with the Wallabies and All Blacks in Sydney.
New Zealand Herald writer Gregor Paul slammed the alleged snub which he described as a "PR disaster", claiming it proved Australia was not fit to host the women's 2021 World Cup.
New Zealand is competing with Australia for hosting rights to the showpiece women's tournament.
"It would surely have to be advantage New Zealand, if not game, set and match on the World Cup hosting front," Paul wrote on Wednesday.
But Rugby Australia insisted there was no such "snub", despite the All Blacks and Wallabies being able to warm up on the playing field as normal before their subsequent Bledisloe Cup clash on Saturday.
A RA official said neither the Wallaroos or Black Ferns complained after being advised they needed to warm up elsewhere.
"All sporting teams intending to warm up prior to gates opening are offered the designated warm-up facility adjoining ANZ Stadium," the official said in a statement to AAP.
"This was communicated to both teams well in advance of the match, and the Wallaroos and Black Ferns agreed to use this facility for warm up (including the new High Performance Centre directly next to ANZ Stadium).
"Gates opened at 4.45pm, 30 mins before both teams ran out onto the field.
"Rugby Australia has received significant support for the double header and the feedback has been immensely positive from players, spectators and broadcasters."
The official pointed out that, for similar reasons revolving around ANZ Stadium protocol, the Canterbury and North Sydney NSW Cup teams also warmed up at the designated facility on Sunday before the Bulldogs-Warriors NRL match.
"It's got nothing to do with discrimination," he said.
The Wallaroos and Black Ferns will be allowed to warm up on Eden Park before Saturday's return double header in Auckland.
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