Former World Rugby referee Nigel Owens has given his opinion on the controversial TMO decision that decided the outcome of Saturday's Six Nations match between Scotland and France.
France scored in the final 10 minutes of the match to put Scotland in the lead. Immediately after, a penalty was awarded and the difference was 4 points at the end of the game.
Les Bleus had a scrum deep in their own half and needed to maintain possession, but they were unable to do so as Scotland earned a turnover and went for the winning goal.
As time approached, Sam Skinner crossed the line and appeared to be stopped by the French defense before sliding the ball and appearing to dot it over the line.
However, referee Nick Berry ruled that Skinner had been held up, but asked the TMO to review the decision, but there was too much evidence that the Scottish lock had scored for the referee to overturn the on-field decision. will be required.
However, it was not possible and France won 20-16, putting their Six Nations campaign back on track.
A slow heartbreak for Scotland 😓
Did you agree with the decision?#BBCRrugby #SixNations pic.twitter.com/rBDsowauWk
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 10, 2024
“Very, very strict.”
Owens reflected on the incident in a BBC report, explaining why the officials were not awarded a try, even though Skinner likely would have scored.
“If the umpire makes a decision on the field, there needs to be clear evidence to overturn that decision,” said the former umpire, who has 100 Test caps.
“As you said in the studio, it's very, very difficult to make a decision. Everything depends on the TMO and 'clear evidence.' It's probably on the ground.
“Is there anything that would say they scored 100 percent? Probably not. One of those really, really difficult games, but the ball looks like it's on the ground.
“This is a very difficult issue and I think they're going to be discussing this issue for a long time. I'm happy to be sitting here and not going out on the field.”
Both teams are currently enjoying a week's break before returning for the third round of the Six Nations, with France hosting Italy and Scotland looking to retain the Calcutta Cup when England visit Murrayfield. aim.
read more: Scotland 'absolutely robbed', TMO rules out winning try against France
