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England coach Eddie Jones
England coach Eddie Jones tried to make his frustration clear as he refused to criticize referee Pascal Gauzere after the defending Six Nations champion’s 40-24 loss to Wales on Saturday.
The loss in what Jones had called a “decisive” third-round match nearly wiped out England’s hopes of a successful title defense after a surprising home loss to Scotland.
Wales clinched the Triple Crown and stayed on track for a Grand Slam in ultimately decisive fashion.
But his highest test score against England included two controversial first-half attempts awarded by French referee Gauzere, the first of which former Wales captain Sam Warburton said would have left him “livid.”
That first attempt came from a swiftly executed penalty, with Dan Biggar cross-kicking wing Josh Adams while skipper Owen Farrell, at Gauzere’s request, still spoke to England about his discipline.
The preparation for the Liam Williams try appeared to feature a hit from Louis Rees-Zammit, judging by the wing’s own expression.
But that score remained after Gauzere consulted the referee for the television match.
Jones, while acknowledging that Wales were “worthy winners”, said that Gauzere’s first attempts were “big decisions”.
“We cannot debate it, we are not allowed to debate it. All that I will end up with a fine and that will not help anyone,” Jones told reporters.
The veteran Australian trainer added: “The dog will not be able to eat his food, the wife will not be able to eat so I can’t say anything.”
If the complex regulations of the rugby union meant there was a debate over whether Rees-Zammit had actually called, England received sympathy from an unexpected sector regarding Wales’ first attempt.
“You can’t respond within half a second of (Gauzere) by saying ‘turnaround time’ when you’re in the middle of a conversation with your team,” said Warburton, now a BBC television expert.
“I’d be livid if it were Owen Farrell and England.”
Despite all their early setbacks, England rallied to level the game at 24-24 heading into the fourth quarter.
But indiscipline, long a problem for England, saw them concede 16 unanswered points, with Callum Sheedy, the Welsh substitute, taking three penalties before Cory Hill’s try sealed a win with bonus points.
“There were times when we gave away penalties that we shouldn’t have, it was just for effort, and sometimes you find yourself in situations where you emotionally struggle with circumstances and try too hard,” said Jones, whose team conceded 14 penalties.
“Wales were a valuable winner. We take full responsibility and do not blame the referee.
“But sometimes circumstances happen that are difficult to handle and weren’t good enough to handle.
The defeat still saw England play some of their best rugby at this tournament, as attempts by Anthony Watson and Ben Youngs helped them regain level.
“We came in his 22 eight times compared to his six times, which gives an indication of the quality of our game,” Jones said.
“No one can say that we are not an honest and hardworking group. We will learn from this. It is a great lesson for us.”
