ENGLAND’S last game of the Six Nations got off to an awkward start yesterday after an awkward mistake by referee Angus Gardner.
With Ireland wrapping up the title earlier that evening, England knew that the best hope they could have if they beat France would be a second-placed finish.
RexGardner’s error led to the game kicking off early[/caption]
RexThomas Ramos kicked the game off too early, but ended up scoring the winning penalty[/caption]
Ahead of kick-off in Lyon, there was meant to be a ten-second countdown timer – which has been present at all Six Nations games this year.
But France, and the ref, were a little too eager to get things kicked off sharply.
France full-back Thomas Ramos sent the ball high into the air before the countdown had begun – leaving the ref to order the teams back into position.
Gardner took full responsibility for the mistake and said: “Yeah, sorry.
“I said 10 seconds to go. Sorry guys, we’ve got to wait for the time. There’s a countdown timer. We’ve got to wait for the countdown timer and I’ve got to blow my whistle.
“Wait for the countdown time and we are good to go. Apologies.”
ITV commentator Nick Mullins was unimpressed with Gardner’s blunder and told the ref to “get on with it”.
He then joked: “It’s alright, it’s not live, we can edit that bit out. It’s not a great start. Let’s just get on with it, Angus. Blow your whistle and kick off.”
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The Aussie ref is one of the most experienced and trusted referees in rugby, and took charge of last year’s World Cup semi-final between France and Argentina.
Second place proved to be out of reach for England as they fell to a narrow 33-31 defeat in Lyon.
Ramos, who had earlier caused the false-start came good with a last minute penalty to hand France the win in a thriller.
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