World Rugby confirms TMO’s ‘terrible mistake’
TELEVISION match official (TMO) Glenn Newman ruled Anthony Watson had beaten Gareth Anscombe to the ball, with Wales coach Warren Gatland describing it as “a terrible mistake”.
Wales assistant coach Rob Howley says World Rugby’s Alain Rolland has confirmed the error.
“It was good to have dialogue with World Rugby — they confirmed the TMO made a mistake,” Howley confirmed.
“That dialogue happens continually throughout international periods,” he continued.
“That phone call took place and Alain Rolland confirmed on behalf of World Rugby that it was a mistake.
“I haven’t spoken to any of the match officials. It’s happened, it’s disappointing that happens in professional sport. But we focus on the next week and getting ready for Ireland.”
World Rugby told BBC Sport Wales it “has clarified to the Wales team management . . . that the TMO made an error in the application of law during the England versus Wales match”.
The governing body added: “In accordance with law 21.1 b, Wales should have been awarded a try as the Wales player grounded the ball.”
England coach Eddie Jones criticised World Rugby for “retrospective refereeing”.
He said: “I’m on a good behaviour bond so I’ve got to be careful what I say, but I just think that once the game’s done and dusted that’s the game.
“You can’t have retrospective refereeing of decisions being done. The game’s done and dusted, so we’ve got to trust the referees and respect their integrity.
“When I say respect the referee, that’s the TV process as well. You leave it at that, and then you get on with it. One side’s won, one side’s lost.”
Jones also compared the incident to a batsman being wrongly given out in a cricket match.
“The decision is made, that’s the game and I’m sure Wales are upset about it and I can understand why, but the game is gone.”
England play Scotland at Murrayfield next Saturday and Wales take on Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.