Eddie Was So Right To Moan About Alun Wyn

Eddie Jones’ mission to provide good copy is relentless, and he starred yet again during the week when he had a pop at Alun Wyn Jones. However, he was absolutely on the money, because the Welsh captain clearly overstepped the mark when he planted his size 12 boot in front of the ball to prevent Finn Russell taking a conversion.

- Colin Boag

As captain he was entitled to try to speak to the ref, as long as the official wanted to hear from him. What he should not have done was anything to get in the way of him doing his job. He was wrong, and someone needs to have a quiet word in his ear – perhaps the mention of a yellow card would do the trick?

However, kickers trying to take a quick conversion because there’s a doubt about the validity of the try is happening more and more, and players cannot be blamed for trying to exploit a loophole in the laws. The answer is so simple that it beggars belief that the authorities have failed to act.

The introduction of the TMO was a breath of fresh air for rugby, with fewer non-tries being awarded, with more incidences of foul play being captured, and referees being pilloried on far fewer occasions. The only possible downside is that it adds a few minutes onto the length of the game – an insignificant problem if it leads to the right team winning.