WASPS FEAR A refereeing mistake that led to their defeat in Saturday’s European Champions Cup clash away to Connacht could have “serious repercussions” for the Premiership side.
The EPCR yesterday admitted that Connacht should not have been allowed to take the late line-out that resulted in Naulia Dawai scoring a try which was brilliantly converted by Jack Carty to snatch a dramatic 20 – 18 win.
Assistant referee Mathieu Raynal, who replaced the injured Jerome Garces, had awarded a penalty to Connacht after time had elapsed, so the game should have been over when Connacht kicked for touch.
The EPCR confirmed the result will stand, ensuring Wasps, Toulouse and Connacht are level on 13 points with two Pool Two matches remaining.
Wasps are prepared to move on from the controversial defeat, but are concerned they could yet feel the consequences.
A statement released by the Coventry-based club said: “Wasps’ pitchside officials immediately stressed to the fourth official that Connacht could not take the line-out, as the referee had indicated time had gone beyond 80 minutes.
Wasps players on the pitch also emphasised to the referee that time was up. Despite several protests, the line-out was still allowed to be taken.
“We all understand referees are only human and mistakes do occasionally happen.
However, for a referee and fourth official to get the laws of the game wrong at a crucial stage of a big match is hugely disappointing.
“The error made could have serious repercussions in terms of Wasps’ qualification hopes or the prospect of securing a home quarter-final.
“EPCR have stated that the result stands. We congratulate Connacht after a hard fought contest and we will now move on to the final rounds, after tough Premiership games against Bath, Newcastle and Leicester Tigers.”
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The only reason Connaught kicked to touch was because the ref told them they had time for the line out. If they didn’t do that, it would have been a tap and go and they may very well have scored the try from that anyway
Good point
@gary sheehan: If it was the other way round I suspect that the Irish Public would be going nuts winging about it. Wasps have taken it well.
@gary sheehan: Yeah, they have no grounds to nullify the score as this was clear. I do feel that Muldoon knew what he was doing when he brought up “the new rules” though…
@phil: The ref made a mistake, but it was a mistake he was authorised to make according to the rules of the game. Nobody cheated. Wasps have their own maul defense and inability to be more than 5 points ahead at the death equally to blame.
Furthermore, I think it’s cynical to give away a penalty after time knowing the other side can’t take the advantage of it. Well capitalised by Connacht.
In fairness to wasps they have been pretty good about it. Look we bang on about Henry and that handball. We even asked for an extra team to be added to the competition.
@Chris Mcdonnell: haha, fair observations Chris. I would like the record to state that I never personally endorsed the second team request.
No connacht captain said that in new law that a kick to touch was ok after the 80. The ref made a mistake from that. It was not a mix up of time
And pascal gauzere could cost munster qualification but they didn’t make a big song and dance about it.
@mcdb06:i think wasps are actually being pretty reserved about it
I think a poor game plan, missed penalties and bad kicking game should be looked at for reasons Munster lost that game. As for Gauzere he was equally bad for both teams.
Not scoring more points and winning by a big lead could cost them qualification.
Sh!t happens
It was brilliant captaincy by John Muldoon, he knew he was chancing his arm with a ref who was obviously a bit confused seen as he wasn’t expecting to take over from the injured Garces.
The ref didn’t cost wasps the game. They couldn’t stop Connacht driving over their line. That’s what cost them the game.
What about that no arms tackle on niyi? Should have been at least a yellow and I doubt wasps would have scored their last try with 14 men
Should have been a red
The amount of ball Wasps turned over at the ruck should have had them out of site.
A good captain questions the ref with whats permissible. There were other options available if the line out was not allowed. Credit to Connacht they had to do a lot to win and Wasps didn’t do enough to stop them. Countless matches swing on questionable penalties, TMO calls and try build up movements. You win some you lose some
Ref blew whistle just as clock reaches 80mins which counts as normal time. Does this not allow penalty to be kicked for a lineout even if new rule is not implemented yet??
https://youtu.be/LXTja4fnBu4
The statements from Wasps are to cause fear of legal ramifications for the EPCR and to give them a personal incentive to officiate the remaining games in the pool in a manner which will avoid this i.e. Wasps qualification.
Ridiculous
I agree, this was a warning shot ‘don’t mess with our chances’
I think the official’s error may relate to confusion on his part as to whether new World Rugby rule changes* were in operation for European Cup rugby (they’re during to be introduced for the Lions for)
*http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/world-rugby-announce-sweeping-rule-changes-to-speed-up-the-game-35227464.html
Connacht scoring cost them. Anything else is make believe.
It’s Ben Stiller…the ref….and he’s Irish.