Wounded Wales fire Six Nations warning shot

ROB HOWLEY fired a warning shot across Ireland’s bows yesterday as World Rugby confirmed that Wales were indeed robbed of a try in last weekend’s controversial defeat to England. Coach Warren Gatland’s view that the television match official made an error in the controversial no-try incident against England has been confirmed by the governing body. Wales full-back Gareth Anscombe saw a try ruled out in the first half at Twickenham four days ago, even though he appeared to edge England defender Anthony Watson to the touchdown. Wales lost the clash 12-6 — they trailed 12-0 at the time — with England failing to score a point after the 20th minute . ‘It (the incident) has happened,’ said Howley. ‘It is disappointing that happens in professional sport, but we focus on the next two weeks and getting ourselves ready for Ireland. ‘There was plenty of time after that decision. We had a couple of opportunities which we should have taken.’ Gatland subsequently described TMO Glenn Newman’s call as a ‘terrible mistake’ and the Wales head coach has now spoken with Alain Rolland, World Rugby’s

high performance 15s match officials’ manager. ‘I know Warren Gatland spoke to Alain Rolland, and they confirmed that the TMO made a mistake,’ added Howley. A World Rugby spokesperson said: ‘World Rugby has clarified to the Wales team management as part of the usual review process with teams that the TMO made an error in the application of law during the England versus Wales match at Twickenham. ‘In accordance with law 21.1 b, Wales should have been awarded a try as the Wales player grounded the ball.’ Howley (pictured) has now pinpointed Saturday week’s Six Nations clash in Dublin as the perfect pickme-up. ‘We know we can compete with Ireland. Our recent results show that. A lot of our players are familiar with the Irish players, and we will go there with a great chance of putting them under pressure. ‘I love going to Dublin, the players enjoy it and you are up against one of the best sides in the world. ‘We’ve got three games left — two at home [against Italy and France] — and a huge challenge in Dublin. If you only lose one game, the past has shown you can still go on and win the championship.’ Despite last weekend’s controversial defeat, Wales remain in the Six Nations title hunt, currently three points behind pace-setters England and Ireland. And Gatland’s selection options are set to be enhanced for Dublin, with some key players potentially returning to the mix. Full-back Leigh Halfpenny is recovering from a foot infection that sidelined him from the England game, while Saracens wing Liam Williams played for his club last weekend. Fly-half Dan Biggar and number eight Taulupe Faletau, who have not featured in this season’s Six Nations because of injuries, are also firmly on the recovery road. ‘At this moment, the redness of the foot and the infection is okay,’ Howley said, of Halfpenny. ‘He will take some part in rugby over the next couple of days. ‘Taulupe is back playing rugby this week. Dan Biggar is going through his return to contact, and hopefully will be doing some rugby by the end of the weekend.