Will Carling questions why alternate angle of James Lowe try was not shown

Patrick McCarry

The former England captain asked a valid question, in fairness.

Ireland defeated France 32-19 in a pulsating Six Nations match-up, with a bonus point secured late in the game by Garry Ringrose. Many were left arguing over a crucial James Lowe try, including Will Carling.

The former England captain was watching on, like millions more, as the top two sides in world rugby flung kitchen sinks, and everything else they could, at each other. The first half was a non-stop classic while Ireland were able to step on the accelerator in the final 20 minutes to deny France even a losing bonus point.

Damian Penaud must have felt certain he had scored the try of the match, mid-way through the first half, but James Lowe answered with this high-flying beauty, not long after.

Incredible, incredible finish from James Lowe 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/7Y5cpy9Xlw

— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 11, 2023

Will Carling on James Lowe try

There was a lengthy Television Match Official review but, after a wait and with Ireland fans already celebrating, the try was awarded.

Referee Wayne Barnes raised an arm, blew his whistle and Ireland were right back in the contest, just 13-12 down and with an hour still to play. There is a new World Rugby directive to speed up the game by cutting down on multiple TMO reviews and angles so this could be why the following angle (below) was not included:

https://twitter.com/brettruganalyst/status/1624419178709909504

Hmm. Why wasn’t this angle offered up by the host broadcaster for the TMO 🤔 #Irevfra pic.twitter.com/THIH2nEM9U

— Martin Cross (@MartinXRugby) February 11, 2023

Will Carling was watching the match on TV, himself, and was incredulous as the ITV coverage showed the angle that made it ook as if Lowe’s foot may have brushed the grass before he touched down.

How can we have just seen an angle on Lowe’s try, on half time review, that shows his right foot brushing the grass ?!!! #SixNations

— Will Carling (@willcarling) February 11, 2023

In the end, Ireland winning by 13 points may lessen the controversy but it was fortunate for the hosts that the TMO review was not too forensic.