Have Ireland been the victim of some refereeing injustice in the Six Nations so far? Anthony Foley certainly thinks so.
The next Munster coach in waiting is currently standing in as Ireland forwards coach in place of Gert Smal and he believes that Ireland have been on the end of more than a few dodgy refereeing calls in the Six Nations to date.
The normally placid Declan Kidney was vocal (at least by his quiet standards) about some perceived refereeing wrongs in the aftermath of the draw with France in Paris, but despite a meeting with referees’ chief Paddy O’Brien ahead of the Scotland game, Ireland seemed to be on the wrong end of a few decisions at the Aviva on Saturday.
Foley pointed to two specific incidents in the game – Scotland’s second penalty where Gordon D’Arcy was punished for going around the side of the ruck after a blatant push on Jamie Heaslip in the lineout, and a try that could have been awarded to Tommy Bowe in the second half – as examples of where Ireland were harshly treated.
Ahead of what could be an arse-clenchingly tight game against England on Saturday, Axel called for justice to prevail.
“I’d just like if we got the clear and obvious penalties,” Foley is quoted as saying in the Irish Times.
“We’re not even looking for the 50-50 calls. Just give us the clear and obvious ones and we’ll be happy.
“We don’t want to go around with ‘victim’ written on our forehead but it does get frustrating.”
Foley admitted he is aware that openly criticising officials is risky as it could come back to haunt the Irish camp, but such is the level of annoyance at some of the calls to date that it is a risk he willing to take.
“Yeah, there is that (risk), but at what stage do you stop taking one?” Foley added.
“At the moment all I can say is it is very frustrating for the team and for the management with some of the decisions.”
How Nigel Owens, the referee tasked with officiating Ireland’s encounter with England in Twickenham on Paddy’s Day, will react to Foley’s comments remains to be seen. Then again, he’s not a man that’s easily intimidated.
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