In a gripping Six Nations showdown at Murrayfield, France secured a tense victory over Scotland, leaving referee Nigel Owens to share his perspective on a controversial last-minute try review.
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Despite replay footage hinting at the ball being grounded amid a tangle of bodies, referee Nic Berry’s no-try call stood, and TV images failed to definitively counter his decision.
Scotland, vying for a fifth consecutive home triumph, might feel they were unjustly denied a win, especially considering they could have been further ahead by halftime.
Expressing his belief in the try, Scotland captain Finn Russell remarked, “I believe it was a try, but it’s up to the referee.”
Head coach Gregor Townsend, frustrated by the turn of events, recounted the rollercoaster of emotions in the coaches’ box as the TMO’s dialogue with the referee initially leaned towards a try, only to end with a perplexing decision to stick with the on-field call.
The post-match scene prompted exasperation from Townsend: “We were celebrating in the coaches’ box. I don’t know what you can say.” The controversy over the inconclusive try review adds a contentious chapter to Scotland’s Six Nations campaign.
Speaking to the BBC after the game, Owens said: “When the referee gives the on-field decision there had to be clear evidence to overturn that decision.
“Now, it’s. a very difficult decision to make. It all came down to if the TMO believes he has clear evidence.
“I looks like it’s probably on the ground. Was it enough for him to say it’s 100% on the ground. I guess not.
“I’m glad I’m sat here and not on the field.”
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“0/10” – Five players who flopped in the 2024 Six Nations today
Below, we look at five players who across the day who failed to perform for their respected nation.
FIVE PLAYERS WHO FLOPPED:
#1. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Rugby Dump 4/10: “Pretty anonymous throughout as he rarely got his hands on the ball. He did save a certain French try albeit in controversial circumstances as he appeared to go high but got away with it.”
Planet Rugby 5/10: “Like Rowe. the behemoth flyer did not see much of the ball but when he did, he kept France‘s defence busy. He eventually gained 18 attacking metres from five runs and was pretty anonymous on defence as he only made three tackles but missed two of those.”
Rugby 365 5.5/10: “Came off his left wing to make the extra man in the attack that led to White’s try, but didn’t have the ball in his hands enough from a Scottish point of view. Well shackled by the French defence, and made one excellent cover tackle to collar Fickou after the centre’s coruscating break.”