Six Nations: Stuart Lancaster seeks referee 'clarification'

 

England's Stuart Lancaster is awaiting "clarification" from the International Rugby Board about referee Steve Walsh's display in the 30-3 loss to Wales.

England felt decisions in the scrum and breakdown went against them, and that Walsh's officiating in those areas was at odds with his pre-match briefing.

In particular, Lancaster questioned the build-up to Alex Cuthbert's first try.

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Stuart Lancaster

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"There was a turnover at the breakdown, which we still need clarification on," the head coach said.

But he added: "Whatever happened in that breakdown, it was disappointing to lose composure and let the game slip away."

Wales secured a record win over England thanks to two tries from winger Cuthbert, as well as a combined 20 points from the boots of Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny.

The incident Lancaster referred to at the Millennium Stadium came when Wales replacement Ken Owens stole the ball from Tom Wood to kick-start the move that led to Cuthbert's opening score.

Forwards coach Graham Rowntree has also said he will request answers from the IRB's referees' chief Joel Jutge about the Australian official's decisions during the game.

"I sat up on Saturday night and watched the game again forensically," the 41-year-old said.

"In most of the games, I've submitted glowing reports on referees but on this occasion we were frustrated by a lot of the outcomes and I will be speaking to Joel [Jutge] to get some clarification [about the] breakdown and scrum.

Biggest Wales wins v England

  • 2013 - Wales 30-3 England
  • 1905 - Wales 25-0 England
  • 1979 - Wales 27-3 England
  • 1899 - Wales 26-3 England
  • 1907 - Wales 22-0 England
  • 1922 - Wales 28-6 England
  • 1968 - Wales 30-9 England

"I spoke to Steve [Walsh] after the game. We both agreed we would go away and have a look at the game again. Having watched it, I need clarification.

"A lot of those decisions were big, game momentum-changing decisions."

Walsh awarded 12 penalties and four free-kicks against England, who won only one of four scrums on their own ball as they were dominated in the pack by their opponents.

In the aftermath of the crushing loss, England had been criticised for not reacting to Walsh's interpretation of the rules but Rowntree rejected that notion.

"I don't buy this whole 'streetwise' thing," the former Leicester, England and Lions prop said. "We just want a clean outcome at the scrum. We don't practise anything different."