"Less straightforward" - Wayne Barnes responds to complaints about France's controversial last minute penalty against England

Addressing the debates over decisions during the Six Nations, Barnes wrote in his column for The Telegraph: "During the Guinness Six Nations, World Rugby hosted a ‘Shape of the Game forum’ so that all of the game’s major stakeholders could consider the future of the sport.

"One of the presentations during the three-day conference in West London was given by Conrad Smith, the former All Black centre, who is now part of a head contact calibration group tasked with improving decision-making when dealing with dangerous tackles.

"That group consists of some of the most experienced and celebrated coaches and players across the globe. The New Zealand legend explained the difficulty in getting agreement, and explained that a two-thirds majority was only reached in 45 per cent of clips they had shared over the past year."

On the controversial penalty, Barnes said: "The decision to penalise Ben Earl at the end of the France-England match for a ‘no-arms tackle’ will be another one of those decisions that splits opinions and listening to the post-match discussion between Jonny Wilkinson, Benjamin Kayser and Ugo Monye, who have 160 international caps between them, made me think back to Conrad’s presentation.

"Monye called it 'a soft decision' explaining that Earl 'doesn’t wrap because he’s got Taofifenua, who is 23st, going through him'. Kayser says that though it is 'harsh, it is shoulder first'.

"The law book does not talk about a ‘no-arms tackle’. It explains that a player must not knock down an opponent carrying the ball without attempting to grasp. In the 34th minute of the same match, Ellis Genge tried to stop Uini Antonio as he carried the ball in his own 22. Angus Gardner gave a penalty and everyone could see that, as Genge tackled the French giant with his right shoulder, his right arm was close to his body and he clearly was not attempting to grasp.

"The Earl tackle was less straightforward and as Wilkinson said, when he was given the casting vote in the ITV wrap up: “If you put it down to the letter of the law, maybe the arms aren’t there. It’s a really tricky situation; one that just went the other way today.”

He added: "All of this passionate debate is part of what keeps us glued to the Six Nations, and what gets us discussing the game in the pubs across the country. Sometimes those small margins go your way, sometimes they don’t. You win some, you lose some. That’s sport."

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1. Andrew Porter (Ireland)

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)

3. Dan Cole (England)

4. George Martin (England)

5. Joe McCarthy (Ireland)

6. Michele Lamaro (Italy)

7. Tommy Reffell (Wales)

8. Ben Earl (England)

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)

10. George Ford (England)

11. James Lowe (Ireland)

12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)

13. Juan Ignacio Brex (Italy)

14. Damien Penaud (France)

15. Monty Ioane (Italy)

Telegraph Sport conducted a thorough assessment of each England player's performance during the Six Nations, with criticism aimed at several individuals.

One player was labeled a liability, while another is advised to come to terms with the idea that their peak playing days may be behind them.

Coles is a member of the Premiership outfit Northampton Saints, a club he has been associated with since the age of 13. His journey with the Saints began when he joined their senior academy in the summer of 2017, eventually making his senior debut in November of the following year.

With versatility spanning across the second and back rows, Coles has represented his country from U16 level all the way through to U20, featuring prominently in the U20 Six Nations and the World Rugby U20 Championship.

His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the England senior Men’s squad ahead of the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, where he marked his debut in their narrow 30-29 defeat against Argentina.

They wrote: "A cumulative 15 minutes of action, but it is telling that England opted for no lock replacement in their final two matches."

RUCK RATING: 6.25/10

Stuart, a native of London, received his education at Farleigh School in Andover and later attended Radley College in Oxfordshire. His rugby journey commenced at the age of eight, where he honed his skills both at school and with Salisbury RFC.

Stuart's prowess on the field earned him representation for England at various age grade levels, notably contributing to the team's triumph over Ireland in the final of the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship. His ascent continued when he received his first call-up to the senior squad in 2020, debuting as a replacement for Kyle Sinckler during the opening round of the Six Nations. Subsequently, he earned his maiden start in November of the same year, featuring in England’s Autumn Nations Cup clash against Georgia.

In 2023, Stuart was a pivotal member of Steve Borthwick’s squad that journeyed to France for the Rugby World Cup, further solidifying his status as a promising talent in English rugby.

They wrote: "Made the bench spot his own but has never quite translated his Bath form to Tests. New Zealand could be make or break."

RUCK RATING: 5.2/10

Care's illustrious international journey commenced in 2008 with his England debut against New Zealand, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that has seen him amass over 100 caps for his country.

Originating from Leeds, Care initially ventured into rugby before transitioning to Harlequins in 2006, where he continued to flourish. His commitment to the sport has seen him represent England across nine levels, spanning from the grassroots through to the elite ranks, including a notable stint in the sevens code. Notably, he clinched a Commonwealth Games silver medal during his tenure in sevens, further adding to his diverse and distinguished rugby resume.

They wrote: "Murrayfield hinted that Care’s best days as an England starter might be over but his composure off the bench deserves plaudits."

RUCK RATING: 6.1/10

Dingwall's rugby journey began at Cambridge RUFC, where he first honed his skills before catching the eye of Northampton Saints at the age of 14. His talent and dedication led him to sign with the Senior Academy in 2017.

The pinnacle of Dingwall's professional career arrived when he made his debut in a Premiership fixture against Leicester Tigers in 2018, marking a significant milestone in his journey.

Internationally, Dingwall initially represented Scotland at the U18 level before switching allegiance to England U20s in 2018. His leadership qualities shone through when he was appointed captain of the England squad for the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship.

Dingwall's progression continued as he earned his first call-up to the senior England squad in January 2020, signifying a notable achievement in his burgeoning career. Recently, head coach Steve Borthwick recognised Dingwall's capabilities once again, recalling him ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024 campaign.

They wrote: "At times a liability, is it time for England to move on? Perhaps, but Daly’s aerial prowess is unquestionable."

RUCK RATING: 6.25/10

Daly's ascent to the England squad for the 2016 Six Nations was propelled by his standout performances in high-stakes encounters, coupled with impressive seasons at Wasps.

His debut as a starter for England saw him making a memorable impact with a remarkable left-footed penalty against South Africa in November 2016, followed by his maiden Test try against Fiji the following week.

Daly's journey continued to flourish as he earned selection for the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, where he featured prominently, starting all three Tests on the left wing against the formidable All Blacks.

He further solidified his place in English rugby history as part of the squad that reached the final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Daly's prowess on the field earned him a spot in the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa, where he showcased his skills in the first two Tests.

Having been part of the England squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Daly's talent was once again recognized as he was recalled by Steve Borthwick ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2024 campaign.

They wrote: "At times a liability, is it time for England to move on? Perhaps, but Daly’s aerial prowess is unquestionable."

RUCK RATING: 5.8/10