Following yet another thrilling weekend of Six Nations action, Whistle Watch returned to the YouTube channel with Nigel Owens sharing his insights on the major highlights.
Nigel delves into the contentious call of Scotland’s potential last-minute try against France at Murrayfield, George Ford’s blocked conversion against Wales at Twickenham, and engages with the Emirates Fan Questions.
While expressing dissatisfaction with certain decisions, he also commends the officials for their handling of several other instances.
Scotland try
He said: “So in this instance, the question from the referee to the TMO is on-field decision, no try. Which means the TMO looking at all the available angles he has will need to have evidence, clear evidence, to show otherwise to overturn that onfield decision.”
“Just remember, not only this is a difficult decision, it’s a high pressure decision as well, because you know that the outcome of the game is inevitable here. So it’s added pressure. It’s a big, big decision to make. So you have to be clear to get it right.”
“TMO in this instance, felt that he didn’t have enough clear evidence to overturn the on-field decision, and therefore it remained on the on-field decision as no try.”
George Ford conversion:
He said: “Now this has got you all talking, including George Ford himself. Now then we have to look here at exactly what happens.
“What can you do? Well, once you set yourself up to take a conversion, remember, penalty is totally different. You can’t charge a penalty. It’s a conversion, so you’re entitled to charge as long as you’re behind the line. And once the player, after he’s set himself up once he then makes a move which indicates to you that he’s going to start his run up as long as you’re behind the line, you are allowed to charge him.
“Remember back to the Rugby World Cup with Cheslin Kolbe as well in the South Africa game against France in the quarter final. Very similar as well. So on this instance here Ford has set himself up. He’s static and then his next movement now means he’s, whether it goes backwards or forwards his next movement means he’s now ready to take the run up which is a trigger for the Welsh team to charge down.
“So on this instance, good awareness by the referee, knowing exactly what was going on, keeping an eye on everything and correctly so allows the legal charge down.”
England’s forward pass:
“Even as a Welshman, I think I’d be pushing that. Marginal, maybe. Yes. Is it clear and obviously forward? No, I don’t think it is and in that instance. If it’s not clear and obvious, then the referees will tend to let it play.”
Chessum yellow card:
He said: “What we had here was a rugby collision and no foul play. It should have been play on,” said Owens
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.”