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'I want my dog to eat food so I'm not allowed to say anything': Eddie Jones on referee Gauzere
Eddie Jones has refused to criticise French referee Pascal Gauzere for some controversial decisions that played a major role in the downfall of England in their 40-24 Guinness Six Nations defeat to Wales in Cardiff. First-half Welsh tries from Josh Adams and Liam Williams ignited fierce debate at the Principality Stadium.
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England complained on the pitch that they hadn’t been allowed sufficient time to reset after Owen Farrell had gone to talk to his players behind the posts – as soon as Gauzere blew to restart play, Adams gathered a Dan Biggar cross-kick in space to score. Next, it was felt that Louis Rees-Zammit knocked on in the lead-up to the Williams try but TMO Alex Ruiz saw it differently and Gauzere awarded the score.
Those tries left England 17-6 in arrears and while they did fight back to level at 24-all with 18 minutes remaining, Wales finished by far the stronger as they scored 16 unanswered points to clinch the Triple Crown and keep alive their unexpected 2021 Grand Slam bid.
In the aftermath, England boss Jones refused to tackle the first-half refereeing controversies, claiming he risked being fined if he publicly said what he felt about what had unfolded in Cardiff.
“They are huge decisions, aren’t they? Look, we can’t debate it, mate, as you know. We are not allowed to debate it. All I will end up with is a fine and that doesn’t help anyone. The dog won’t be able to eat its food, wife won’t be able to eat so I can’t say anything… as I said, mate, I want my dog to eat food so I’m not allowed to say anything. I’m sure you guys [the media] can make commentary how you wish to on it.
🏴 Wales couldn't have asked for a better start! 😲
Thoughts? #GuinnessSixNations #WALvENG pic.twitter.com/zThws0HGi6
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 27, 2021
“Wales were worthy winners. We have only got ourselves to blame. We take full responsibility, we don’t blame the referee but sometimes there are circumstances that happen that are difficult to handle and we weren’t good enough to handle it.
“They [Wales] get points that maybe they don’t deserve and we got to fight hard to get back in the game. It makes it difficult and you have got to be good enough to be able to overcome that. They were worthy winners and we have got to be able to handle those circumstances as unusual as they might be.
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“Whenever you get beaten and you get beaten by a penalty count it’s an issue but there were bigger issues in the game than that and I think you hit on them initially, so I will let you discuss them.”
Jones wasn’t overly critical of his England players, despite the penalty count going 9-14 against them with Maro Itoje accounting for five of those infringements. “There were times we gave away penalties we shouldn’t have. We know that and it’s just from the effort. Sometimes when you get in a situation like this where emotionally you struggle a little bit in the game because of the circumstance, you try a little bit too hard and that happens.
“Our boys overcame a very tough start to get back in the game, really worked hard to get themselves to 24-all, and then again we let ourselves down a little bit and probably the last play is indicative of the game.
“We got in their 22 eight times, they got in our 22 six times. We are in there, we get intercepted and they score down the other end. The score indicates a substantial win for Wales but I don’t think that indicates the actual game.
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“Look, we played some good rugby today. As I said, we got in their 22 eight times and they had six times which gives you an indication of the quality of your play. You have got to be able to convert that which we weren’t able to do. We’re pleased with the effort of the team. No one can say we aren’t a hard-working, honest group and we will learn from this. It’s a great lesson for us, a great lesson.
“Am I concerned? I’m concerned we lost the game, most definitely. But in terms of the World Cup (in 2023), that is a long way away and there is a lot to be done before we have a serious issue that we have to be concerned.”
🏴 Liam Williams gets Wales' second try of the half. #GuinnessSixNations #WALvENG pic.twitter.com/rTOM0pypji
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 27, 2021
Switching to Wales, England coach Jones wasn’t hesitant in giving them kudos, particularly replacement out-half Callum Sheedy who came on and was immaculate when kicking from the tee to settle the outcome in favour of the home side.
“He [Sheedy] did well. He kicked three quality penalty goals when the pressure was on. Again, we got on the wrong side of the referee and we have got to do better than that.
“Look, that is what the scoreboard says [40-24], congratulations to them. They have been through a tough period. We understand that and they have come out of it. Well done to Wayne (Pivac) and his team. We have only got great admiration for what they have done.”
PLAYER RATING
– @alexshawsport 👨💻 rates an indisciplined English side #WALvENG #sixnations #EnglandRugby https://t.co/wBXITxesP7
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 27, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
What a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to comments