The Guardian have reported Eddie Jones’ frustrations at a statement from World Rugby that said the decision to not allow a Gareth Anscombe try in the second half of the Wales – England Six Nations match was incorrect.
The England head coach accused World Rugby of showing a lack of respect to the match officials that made the call in the stadium.
England went on to win the match 12-6, and as such the question of whether or not Anscombe had grounded the ball before England wing Anthony Watson got both hands on the ball could hardly be considered inconsequential.
The head of referees at World Rugby, Alain Rolland had called Wales head coach Warren Gatland to admit the mistake.
As you might expect, Jones wasn’t too happy with the statement from World Rugby regarding the decision.
I just think once the game’s done and dusted that’s the game, you can’t have retrospective refereeing of decisions being done. We’ve got to trust the referees, respect their integrity. When I say respect the referee, that’s the TV process as well, and then you leave it at that. One side’s won, one side’s lost.
In Japan they have a great saying: at full-time there’s no side. That’s one of the traditions of rugby, you get on with it, you respect that decision. If you haven’t got the rub of the green, then you know you probably get it in the next couple of games. I think I have made myself very clear. The TMO did an excellent job.
Whether or not the try should have stood or not, it’s not likely that either side will forget the marginal call from this annual clash of sporting rivalry.
