Wales frustrated by video error

13 April 2012

Now that we have become accustomed to ref link, which on Saturday offered David McHugh a chance to show off his French fluency, it can only be a matter of time before spectators are able to tune into video-ref link.

Had the service been available at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, those so inclined could have listened in to an Italian going mad.

The actual communication between video-referee Claudio Giacomel and McHugh remained for their ears only. But it seems fair to speculate that the unfortu-nate Giacomel had run out of 'Mamma Mias' and 'Ave Marias' by the time he was asked to adjudicate on a match-deciding incident deep in injury time.

That was the easy one. Dafydd James had been tackled into touch and on to the corner flag before grounding the ball. He, therefore, failed to snatch a Wales victory which would have made new coach Steve Hansen as much a Great Retriever as Graham Henry had been the Great Redeemer.

Three times previously the Italian official had been required to assess evidence which remained inconclusive from whatever camera angle, no matter the speed of the replay. From that perspective he was twice wrong in giving France and Wales tries and once right in denying Scott Quinnell, a decision the player himself supported.

Neither camp offered even a hint of criticism, leaving BBC pundit Jeremy Guscott isolated in seemingly anti-Italian remarks which questioned Italy's participation in the Six Nations Championship and referred to their 'Third World' referees.

Bernard Laporte, the French coach, spoke of video-refs being a 'good thing' while Hansen, too, was firmly in favour, saying: 'I think it is hard enough to see it with a naked eye and he has the opportunity to see it in slow motion. If it is a try, it's a try and if it's not, it's not. And if it is a tough one and he goes for it, well it will even itself out. He got it right with two, so well done to the bloke. It would have been nice if had got them wrong as well.'

Giacomel declined to discuss his performance, though there was talk of him muttering something about switching to an easier job like straightening the leaning tower of Pisa.

There is, of course, no going back with so- called new technology and Guscott's suggestion of a committee sitting in judgment would only make matters worse. When did a committee do anything other than prolong decisions and muddy waters?

Perhaps the International Rugby Board should issue a timely reminder that, as with 'not out' in cricket, the outcome should be 'no try' on occasions when video evidence offers anything other than certainty.

Laporte was certain of one thing. 'So, it's war,' he declared with a tired smile when asked to consider the forthcoming match against England with its accompanying baggage including Agincourt, Joan of Arc, Brian Moore and 'les Rosbifs'.

'We are just deciding whether to turn up or not. England have been the best for the last two or three years. We have the opportunity to show that they are not.'

That prompted a thump on the table by captain Raphael Ibanez, a first blow, if you like, in the latest 'Grand Slam decider'. England have that effect on rugby people the world over and it is going to get worse now that they are officially ranked No.1. Ask anyone from Sydney to Edinburgh, and all rugby capitals in between, to identify the country they most want to beat and there is only ever one answer.

Steven Hall, France's South African No.8, has noticed no change in attitude since changing culture. 'England is the team France most want to beat. South Africa feel the same. Every other match is pretty much bread and butter. The England game is the cherry on top.'

Culinary confusion and mixed metaphors apart, Hall needs no video evidence to confirm one thing. 'We have only performed at about 50-60 per cent in the games so far. We will need to be around the 95 per cent mark to beat England. But this squad has the makings of a great team.'

Hansen, content that Wales restored their pride with a brave, if flawed, display, saw enough in France to suggest no automatic England victory in Paris on Saturday week. 'I wouldn't underesti-mate France,' he said. 'They can beat anyone. I wouldn't be getting too comfortable if I was at Twickenham.

The last thing a Kiwi working in Wales would wish for Clive Woodward and Co is comfort.

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