WELSH ANGER AS TMO FAILS HIS SCREEN TEST
Anscombe ‘try’ ruled out after a referral as Wales suffer narrow defeat at Twickenham
WELSH hopes of a Grand Slam Six Nations campaign were thwarted at Twickenham yesterday amid a hugely-controversial decision from the Television Match Official.
Wales were beaten 12-6 by Eddie Jones’ Red Rose, but the result might have been so different had Gareth Anscombe been awarded a first-half try when he appeared to touch down ahead of England wing Anthony Watson.
Referee Jerome Garces referred the decision to TMO Glenn Newman, but the Kiwi ruled it was no try despite several angles appearing to show Anscombe had grounded the ball first, and legitimately.
“It looked like a try to me. Everyone else I’ve spoken to who has seen it (has said) it’s a clear try,” said Gatland afterwards.
“To me, it’s disappointing that they can get that decision wrong.
“It’s such a critical moment in the game, such a big decision.
“You get a guy over from New Zealand to be the TMO, he has one big call to make and unfortunately he’s made a terrible mistake.
“At this level, that’s pretty disappointing.”
Wales on Sunday columnist and Welsh legend Barry John was furious at what he descibed as an ‘appalling’ decision.
“Wales’ performance was one that deserved better than the appalling TMO decision that cost the visitors what appeared a perfectly legitimate try,” said John.
“Maybe it was the worst such call we have seen since the video tech- nology came into being.
“You really do wonder how on earth Anscombe was not awarded a score after the TV pictures showed that he seemed to touch the ball down ahead of Watson.
“Why bother having such technology if these things are not going to produce the right calls?
“The decision seemed hurried for something that had such massive potential implications for the game. It seemed to defy the evidence of my own eyes. “It seemed wrong.” All the action and reaction from Twickenham, plus the full Barry John and Graham Price verdicts in your Sport on Sunday pullout.