O'Brien claims ref was wrong

Andre Watson, the World Cup Final referee, has been accused by one of his touch judges of robbing England of victory in normal time.

New Zealand's Paddy O'Brien has reopened the row over Watson's most controversial decision in last November's Sydney showdown - his penalising of the English scrum which enabled Australia's Elton Flatley to take the match into extra-time.

In his new autobiography, O'Brien writes: 'Andre had an excellent game, although I question the lastminute scrum penalty.

'I felt England clearly had the dominant scrum and to pluck a technical penalty out at such a crucial moment was, in my view, wrong.

'Andy Robinson, the assistant coach of England, was livid, as was Sir Clive Woodward.'

The decision, which ultimately paved the way for Jonny Wilkinson to win the final with his extra- time drop goal, was against Gloucester prop Trevor Woodman.

Watson, a South African, said: ' On engagement he pulled up and that's a penalty infringement.'

In the wake of the controversy, the International Board have added an as yet unnamed former international coach to the refereeing committee.