Mako Vunipola’s grounding on the stroke of half-time had appeared to be legal, and England celebrated the supposed try against Ireland as if it were a certainty. It would have put England 10-19 up at the Aviva in their Six Nations opener against the defending champions, pending a probable conversion by Owen Farrell.
Referee Jérôme Garcès went to the TMO asking to check the grounding, having not gained a clear viewpoint among the piled bodies, and as the partisan crowd shouted at the Aviva screens it became clear that the decision might be contested.
England’s prop had dived for the line, propelling himself as (as ITV pundit Jonny Wilkinson later commented) “almost burrowing” for the try line. Following a very brief consultation with teh TMO, Garcès disallowed the try.
What the rules say
According to the laws of World Rugby a try is scored when an attacking player:
With the ball is tackled short of the goal line and the player’s momentum carries them in a continuous movement along the ground into the opponents’ in-goal, and the player is first to ground the ball.
Mako Vunipola’s try was disallowed by Garcès, who ruled it two separate movements, not one continuous, after viewing the replay.
According to the World Rugby TMO protocols, “when the TMO has concluded his analysis, he will provide the match referee with his advice and recommendations. The referee should repeat the TMO’s recommendation to ensure that he is absolutely satisfied that he has heard what has been recommended before making his decision.”
Garcès, however, appeared to make up his mind on the decision before the TMO Glenn Newman’s advice – although Newman did suggest he had been halted before the line.
Reaction
It’s safe to say, England fans were not happy with the decision of Garcès, and Irish fans thought it was entirely correct.
Mako Vunipola’s disallowed try was the right decision if you are Irish and wrong if you are English. I still think it’s harsh #IREvENG #6Nations
— Neil Fissler (@neilfissler) February 2, 2019
MAKO VUNIPOLA IS ON HIS FEET YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE IT IN THE REPLAY THAT IS A FUCKING TRY #IREvENG
— Alex (@Alex_wanstall) February 2, 2019
50/50 on the Mako Vunipola double movement.
You couldn't complain too much either way really. England well worth their 10-17 lead at half-time.#GuinnessSixNations #IREvENG
— Ali Stokes (@alistokesrugby) February 2, 2019
It’s a try. TMO knows it. BOD knows it. JW10 knows it. Sir Clive knows it. Suspect Jerome knows it. #IREvENG
— Ben Brookes (@SameOldBrookesy) February 2, 2019
It was not the only try that was referred to the TMO, as Henry Slade’s first try was pulled back for a possible offside before being eventually awarded.
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