England won’t be making Gauzere complaint
England have opted against lodginganofficialcomplaintto World Rugby over the performanceofPascalGauzereinSaturday’s 40-24 defeat by Wales.
Gauzere awarded Wayne Pivac’s Grand Slam hopefuls two highly-dubious tries in the opening half an hour of the Guinness Six Nations clash at the Principality Stadium, the first of which was particularly controversial.
Former England captain Martin Johnson described the French official’s decision to allow Josh Adams’ 17th-minute touch down as “appalling refereeing”, while even ex-Wales skipper Sam Warburton admittedEddieJones’teamwere right to be “livid”.
However, it is understood Jones will not be making a formal complaint to the sport’s global governing body amid widespread condemnation of Gauzere’s display. The debate continued over whetherLiamWilliams’30th-minute try was legitimate because of a likely knock-on by Louis ReesZammit.
ButAdams’scorewasmore cut and dry with England captain Owen Farrell addressing histeamovertheirindiscipline as instructed by Gauzere only for the referee to quickly restart play, allowing Dan Biggar to hoist the scoring crossfield kick. The visitors had moved infield to hear Farrell speak andtherewereanumberofwater carriers on the pitch when Gauzere blew his whistle. A frustrated Farrell protested to Gauzere but was dismissed.
“They’rehugedecisions.We can’t debate it, we are not allowedtodebateit.AllIwillend up with is a fine and that wont helpanyone,”Jonessaid.“They getpointsmaybetheydon’tdeserveandwehavetofighttoget back into the game. It makes it difficult and you have to be good enough to overcome it.”