Alun Wyn Jones admitted that his team had been fortunate not to receive a card, and he was commended for his sportsmanlike viewpoint regarding the situation.
The major point of contention among viewers was the penalty count, which seemed to get out of control in the second half. .
Wales found themselves on the wrong side of a 17-9 penalty tally, with a significant portion of those infractions occurring just five meters from their own try-line.
Despite the penalty discrepancy, both teams received one yellow card each during the intense contest.
“What we didn’t get was a team warning, and that’s what you usually get whether it’s offside or an infringement, and he didn’t even say that on the fourth, so I think we definitely dodged a bullet.
“Because I think, the amount of time, cumulatively in both halves, they spent in the 22…so I was surprised, don’t get me wrong, you get the luck of the draw sometimes, the bounce of the ball, but I think we were lucky we didn’t get a card at that point.”
Wyn Jones, who retired earlier from Wales in the year, explained earlier in the show that it was a case of ‘plans changing’ which kept him away from a fifth World Cup.
“Every train rolls on.
“Plans change, I won’t go into the details. You gotta keep telling yourself everything happens for a reason.”
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”