I blew it, admits French referee Gauzere

7PM

recognises that himself. Pascal looked at the situation on Sunday morning and he is the first to admit it. When you make a mistake, it’s best to own up and be transparent. It doesn’t change the fact that he is an excellent international referee.”

England were left short-handed in defence for Adams’ try after England captain Owen Farrell had been ordered by Gauzere to speak to his players about their penalty count – only for the referee to blow his whistle for the game to restart while they were still grouped together.

“From the moment when the referee says, ‘time on’, the game can recommence. Except that it was on him [Gauzere] to make sure the English had material time to reorganise themselves, because it was him who had asked the captain to speak to his players,” said Jutge.

Gauzere then allowed

Williams’ try after consultation with video official Alex Ruiz despite a knock-on in the build-up by Louis Rees-Zammit.

“The ball was not under the control of the Welsh wing and went forward on to his thigh,” said Jutge. “In the laws, such as they’re written, there isn’t this notion of loss of control, that’s why this situation lends itself to confusion. But the reality is that if he had blown up for a knock-on, no one would have been able to complain.”

DOWN IN

Sheedy boots Wales out of sight as England are left to

MOUTH

ponder another collapse

BIRMINGHAM manager Aitor Karanka says he will not spend too much of his time looking down.

Karanka’s side travel to Huddersfield tonight with a little bit of daylight between them and the relegation zone for the first time in weeks.

The 2-1 win over QPR on Saturday left the Blues five points

HUDD’FIELD

V BIRM’HAM

clear but their boss is refusing to dwell on it. Karanka, below, said: “It is important to look at the table, but it is not my biggest concern. “The team are showing I can trust them and now the table is completely different. So, I hope it’s a turning point.”