In a controversial decision that has sparked debate, former referee Nigel Owens criticized the intervention of TMO Ian Tempest in a key moment during the Six Nations clash between Ireland and Italy, which saw referee Hollie Davidson reverse her initial call of a try by Italy's Louis Lyangh. The incident, centered around a forward pass claim by Tommaso Menoncello, was a critical juncture with the game tied at 10-10.
During the 51st minute, Menoncello broke free and passed the ball just before the Irish 22-meter line, which eventually led to a disallowed try after Tempest urged Davidson to review the play. Initially calling it a try, Davidson changed her decision upon review, influenced by the TMO’s input. This decision was pivotal, as Ireland soon extended their lead following a try by Robert Baloucoune, finishing the game 20-13 in their favor.
"So I would have liked Hollie to stick with that decision to say 'No, this is not clear and obvious for me from what I’m seeing on the screen. We’re sticking with the on-field decision,'"
Owens expressed during World Rugby’s Whistle Watch. He argued that the pass from Menoncello did not clearly travel forward from the hands, which according to the laws, means the try should have stood.
Discussing the physics of the pass, Owens explained,
"So when you’re running at 25kp/h and throwing a pass out to a guy who is maybe 10, 15, 20m away, that ball is travelling the same speed as you. So, as long as that ball leaves your hands flat or backwards – it’s not passed forward – whatever happens, that ball is going to land further forward than where you passed it,"
highlighting the impact of the players' momentum on the ball's trajectory.
Alex Cuthbert, former Wales and Lions back, also chimed in during the discussion, emphasizing from a player’s perspective, "For me, I’m scoring that corner, and for me it’s a try." His comment underscores the sentiment that the decision was too harsh and perhaps not in the spirit of the game.
Owens' insights bring to light the complexities of officiating in high-speed games, particularly for Davidson who was navigating her first Six Nations match. The intricacies of such calls, where the laws intersect with the dynamic nature of play, continue to challenge even the most experienced officials. This incident will likely linger as a talking point on the adequacy and authority of on-field decisions versus technological interventions in rugby.
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In a controversial decision that has sparked debate, former referee Nigel Owens criticized the intervention of TMO Ian Tempest in a key moment during the Six Nations clash between Ireland and Italy, which saw referee Hollie Davidson reverse her initial call of a try by Italy's Louis Lyangh. The incident, centered around a forward pass claim by Tommaso Menoncello, was a critical juncture with the game tied at 10-10.
During the 51st minute, Menoncello broke free and passed the ball just before the Irish 22-meter line, which eventually led to a disallowed try after Tempest urged Davidson to review the play. Initially calling it a try, Davidson changed her decision upon review, influenced by the TMO’s input. This decision was pivotal, as Ireland soon extended their lead following a try by Robert Baloucoune, finishing the game 20-13 in their favor.
"So I would have liked Hollie to stick with that decision to say 'No, this is not clear and obvious for me from what I’m seeing on the screen. We’re sticking with the on-field decision,'"
Owens expressed during World Rugby’s Whistle Watch. He argued that the pass from Menoncello did not clearly travel forward from the hands, which according to the laws, means the try should have stood.Discussing the physics of the pass, Owens explained,
"So when you’re running at 25kp/h and throwing a pass out to a guy who is maybe 10, 15, 20m away, that ball is travelling the same speed as you. So, as long as that ball leaves your hands flat or backwards – it’s not passed forward – whatever happens, that ball is going to land further forward than where you passed it,"
highlighting the impact of the players' momentum on the ball's trajectory.Alex Cuthbert, former Wales and Lions back, also chimed in during the discussion, emphasizing from a player’s perspective, "For me, I’m scoring that corner, and for me it’s a try." His comment underscores the sentiment that the decision was too harsh and perhaps not in the spirit of the game.
Owens' insights bring to light the complexities of officiating in high-speed games, particularly for Davidson who was navigating her first Six Nations match. The intricacies of such calls, where the laws intersect with the dynamic nature of play, continue to challenge even the most experienced officials. This incident will likely linger as a talking point on the adequacy and authority of on-field decisions versus technological interventions in rugby.