Ireland had no trouble with Italy in their Six Nations encounter on Saturday, beating the hosts 48-10 at Stadio Olimpico. There was some drama early on, however, after Iain Henderson was denied a very clear try for the men in green.
Both on-field referee Mathieu Raynal and TMO Romain Poite decided not to award the try. Raynal initially determined the ball had been lost forward. Both Henderson and Johnny Sexton then asked for TMO assistance.
WATCH: Romain Poite caught in front of kicker
Video evidence notwithstanding, the call remained as Henderson having lost control.
Raynal then scolded Sexton: “You can ask me questions and I will give you the answer. We checked in the background. My TMO has checked and he says he has lost control of the ball. Thank you very much. End of discussion.”
The call had little bearing on the final scoreline. However, a mistake this obvious can certainly erode trust in match officials.
Has anyone checked if TMO Romain Poite isn’t taking a nap?#ITAvIRE #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/OCNekmIucG
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) February 27, 2021
I’m still confused how they missed Henderson try!?!
Direct and quick play from ireland in the opening exchanges #ITAvIRE
— jamie heaslip (@jamieheaslip) February 27, 2021
*Checks who TMO is* …ah. #ITAvIRE pic.twitter.com/IbXZJ5hBhR
— Ben Coles (@bencoles_) February 27, 2021
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