In the 80th minute of Scotland-France play, Sam Skinner, the second line of the Chardon XV, dives into the French goal and believes he will snatch victory against the Blues, during the match on the second day of the Tournoi des Six Nations 2024. But three French players (Sébastien Taofifenua, Yoram Moefana and especially Posolo Tuilagi) slip under the ball to prevent the Edinburgh player from scoring a decisive try, the Perpignan Tuilagi placing his hand underneath.
Thereafter followed a discussion lasting more than four minutes between the field referee, Nic Berry, and the video referee, Irishman Brian MacNeice.
The Australian had judged that the ball had not been flattened, his “field decision”.
MacNeice then told him that the test should be validated.
Before, a few seconds later, reversing his decision after review to ask Nic Berry not to grant the try.
What the 39-year-old official ended up doing, after long minutes of tension for the officials and the Scottish public, until a decision was difficult to understand.
“The dialogue between the referee and the TMO made no sense”
Four days after this narrow defeat, the Scottish Federation reacted to World Rugby, according to the BBC.
In a letter addressed to the entity, the high authorities of Scottish rugby demand recognition of the existence of an refereeing error.
An error and a turnaround that would have compromised the integrity of the tournament for Scotland.
At the center of the criticism, it is therefore communication and video arbitration which are targeted.
Also read “I had my hand underneath”: in Scotland, the refused try which changes everything for the XV of France
“The dialogue between the referee and the TMO made no sense,” a source close to the matter told the BBC.
This source adds that the file should be re-examined to prevent the question from arising again.
“The message from the SRU has been articulated in that there are concerns about why this has happened.
We need to learn lessons so that this never happens again.
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This letter from the Scottish Federation follows a previous one, sent after the match by Gregor Townsend, the Scottish coach, to Joël Jutge, head of referees at World Rugby, and to Phil Davies, director of rugby at the governing body.
In the meantime, the Six Nations is taking a break and returns in two weeks.
The Scots will challenge England, while France will host Italy in Lille.