The Six Nations clash between Scotland and France at Murrayfield was on the verge of being decided by a TMO decision.
In the end, France left Edinburgh with a 20-16 victory, but the final decision left fans furious as Scotland failed to get the winning goal in the closing stages of the game.
Scotland needed a try to win as winger Louis Biel-Bialley scored a try in the 71st minute and Thomas Ramos converted to give France the lead for the first time in the match, with the full-back adding three more points. Ta.
The try that decided the match was denied.
Kyle Lowe has made an incredible breakout France scored 22 points but knocked the ball on as it fell to the ground and looked to have given Les Bleus victory, but Scotland were determined and made a mistake from the scrum, giving them the last chance of victory. gave me a chance.
Moments later, second-rower Sam Skinner appeared to cross the line and finish, but he initially put the ball onto the feet of Yoram Moefana. Referee Nick Berry initially ruled the ball was held up and asked the TMO to review the decision.
However, Bury told TMO Brian McNeice that the on-field ruling was a “no try”, meaning he needed conclusive evidence that the try had been scored, but in the end McNeice was unable to provide that. He said decisively.
Replays initially appeared to show the ball resting on Moefana's spikes, but then appeared to slip and fall to the ground.
A slow heartbreak for Scotland 😓
Did you agree with the decision?#BBCRrugby #SixNations pic.twitter.com/rBDsowauWk
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 10, 2024
The decision caused anger among Scottish fans, but many sympathized with match officials.
Former British & Irish Lions & Wales captain Sam Warburton reflected on the decision as a pundit for the BBC: I'm sure it's a try 95% of the time, but can you say it's a 100% try? Since it couldn't be done, it has to follow Nick Berry's on-field decisions. not. ”
Outrage
Warburton understood how officials had come to this decision, but many Scotland fans were less receptive.
“This is a terrible decision by the officials, but to be honest, if Scotland showed a little bit of ambition early in the second half and it could have been stopped. Can't be old,'' Scottish Rugby Blog posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Another fan added: “You can see the ball drop to your feet, and over and over again you can see the ball go down two inches to the ground. You can also see the foot where it was originally placed on MOVE AWAY. Brian McNeice completely rocked Scotland and we all saw him do it.”
“That's a terrible decision you cowardly TMO. Scotland totally robbed here,” posted @Historic_Ally.
“This is an amazing decision by the TMO. You can clearly see the ball on the ground under Tuirangi's arms, which is the only part that could be supporting the ball. I don't like to be stuffy, but I'm at a loss as to what more evidence he needs. Feels like a robbery,” @RuckedOver added.
France player review: Gael Ficou and Francois Cross lead insensitive Les Bleus to victory over Scotland
Sympathy for TMO
Former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman said it was a “tough” decision.
“Who would be the TMO in rugby union? We can assume it was probably down, but calling it a try is incredibly harsh. It was a huge result for Fabien Galthie,” he wrote.
Fellow former Ireland international Brian O'Driscoll agreed, writing: The TMO is correct because the ball's line of sight is not landing. It is very likely that it was. ”
Many people who sympathized with the officials attended.
“This is the most difficult decision ever made for TMO. The ball is almost certainly down, but the different angles and questions/on-field decision protocols make it impossible to tell. It’s brutal no matter which team is on the wrong side,” added popular YouTube rugby analyst Squidge Rugby.
Columnist Paul Williams added: This is the total of the coin toss. ”
Meanwhile, France captain Gregory Aldritt had to make a decision after just one replay.
Gregory Aldritt says he knew it wasn't a Scotland try after watching the first replay. He's obviously a man of faith.
— Mark Palmer (@MarkPalmerST) February 10, 2024
read more: Scotland v France: Five points from the Six Nations clash as Gregor Townsend's men suffocate again
