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'Robbed' - Fans furious as Angus Gardner non-call saves Scotland
A lot of neutrals have questioned referee Angus Gardner and his decision not to call off-side against Scotland in the dying moments of their 26-14 Six Nations win over Italy at Murrayfield.
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With the score at 19-14 to the hosts but with Italy camped on the Scottish line, Gardner’s TMO called for a knock-on against Italy, a call which infuriated captain Michele Lamaro and many neutrals watching online.
Despite Gardner twice penalising and warning Scotland for offside at the ruck, he instead deferred to his officials of a knock-on instead of penalising the Scots for a third time.
A few phases later Scotland broke up the pitch thanks to winger Duhan van der Merwe, who put Blair Kinghorn away on his inside to seal the win for the home side.
Twitter was furious with many Irish fans in particular taking exception to the non-call by the Australian referee.
HOW IS THAT NOT OFFSIDE?!
Italy absolutely robbed #SCOvITA
— Cardiff Rugby Life (@CardiffRugbyWeb) March 18, 2023
https://twitter.com/cianodo/status/1637096916323385347
Feel sorry for Italy, they were robbed again by a ref #SCOvITA
— Bruno Halter (@brhalter) March 18, 2023
Italy absolutely robbed there by the ref at the end. Warns Scotland for offside and then two phases later let’s them away with it. Early push in scrum then rewarded with advantage and Scotland in fairness to them go coast to coast. #SCOvITA
— Brian Dowling (@dowlking1) March 18, 2023
Absolute travesty at the end of #SCOvITA … Italy robbed by very poor officiating.
— Bruce Masson (@brucemasson) March 18, 2023
Scotland better team over 80min but Italy robbed (again) by very poor ref decision at the very end. Really feel for #ita – deserved at least one win in this tournament. Not their best performance today – but still had a chance to nick it at the end.
#SCOvITA— FPL_DelBoy (@fpl_delboy) March 18, 2023
Italy robbed by Scotland and the ref. Absolutely shocking decision at the end. Clear off side. #SCOvITA
— Andy O'Brien (@AindriuOBriain) March 18, 2023
italy fully robbed of that imo appalling referring of yet another six nations match in this tournament something seriously has to be done before the world cup because there have been some absolute shockers this tournament #SCOvITA
— ★☆★ ash IS SEEING SKZ (@hanotherday) March 18, 2023
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Scotland will likely finish the Six Nations in third as a result of the win Gregor Townsend will no doubt be breathing a sigh of relief.
Comments on RugbyPass
Joe 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.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
1 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
9 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
9 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
9 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
9 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
9 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
9 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
9 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
9 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to comments