Perhaps we can pinpoint at least two critical junctures within the match, which were not just standalone incidents but were interconnected, separated by roughly a twelve minute span in the game’s latter half. Both incidents involved judgements made by Matthew Carley, the appointed referee from RFU, that were detrimental to Ireland’s standing in the match and had the potential to entirely shift the game’s trajectory. However, to attribute these decisions solely to Carley might be overstating the referee’s role, given that his assistant Karl Dickson, also from RFU, played a significant part in the initial disallowed try, and South African TMO Marius Jonker was integrally involved in both decisions.
In the opening incident, with Scotland on the verge of succumbing to Ireland’s relentless assault, Tadhg Furlong inches closer to the try line, nearing the right goalpost. Despite opposition, he manages to propel himself towards Scotland’s skipper and fly-half, Finn Russell, guarding the line. Zander Fagerson, Scotland’s prop, circumnavigates the base of the post and inadvertently collides with Furlong, leading to the ball’s dislodgement following the impact made by Fagerson’s outstretched arm with the Irish prop’s forearm. Furlong manages to maintain partial grip over the ball and appears satisfied upon touchdown, despite a noticeable shift in the ball’s position within his hand.
However, the tide turns when Dickson intervenes from the sidelin, advising Carley to declare ‘no try’, an advice which is heeded by the referee. Going by the TMO’s viewpoint, Furlong’s control over the ball had been compromised within the field. Meanwhile, Jack Crowley from the Irish side animatedly points out a head-to-head clash between Furlong and Russell to the referee. But, his plea falls on deaf ears as the try is dismissed.
Ireland secured their third successive Six Nations title after a heart-stopping victory over Scotland.
[Peter O’Mahony implies it wasn’t a bad match to draw his career to a close.]
[An insight into the performance of Irish players at the Aviva during Ireland versus Scotland match.]
At the 64-minute mark, Robbie Henshaw attempts to cross the Scottish line once more, employing all his strength. Despite the original on-field ruling by Carley suggesting no try due to Scotland substitute Cameron Redpath’s hand seemingly slipping underneath, an alternative perspective implies the ball may have grounded. Carley, after examining all potential views, upholds his original decision, marking another close try verdict against the host team.
The match’s score at that point was 10-6. Despite a significant comeback by Ireland in the second half and their increased push for a score, the two rulings in Scotland’s favour left Ireland somewhat anxious, while giving Scotland renewed belief in their potential for a comeback. Just a few moments later, however, the negated tries appeared insignificant when Irish prop Andrew Porter launched himself into a wall of Scottish players, emerging with a smile and blood streaking his face.