It looked like Ireland's lock scored against Italy but match officials didn't give it
Social media reacts to the Iain Henderson try that wasn’t
There is always plenty of healthy debate during the Six Nations but during the Italy versus Ireland clash at the Stadio Olimpico, there was one moment that caused almost universal consternation.
It didn’t matter in the end with Ireland winning 48-10 in Rome, scoring six tries. But with Ireland pounding their way towards the try-line for a first score, it looked for all the world like lock Iain Henderson had dotted down before the ball bounced away. Italy claimed the ball and managed to clear their lines. Referee Mathieu Raynal and Television Match Official Romain Poite allowed play to go on and never went back.
As you can imagine, several people took to Twitter to give their view on the call (or lack of).
I’m still confused how they missed Henderson try!?!
Direct and quick play from ireland in the opening exchanges #ITAvIRE
— jamie heaslip (@jamieheaslip) February 27, 2021
Absolutely crazy that's been missed by the officials.
Crazy.
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) February 27, 2021
That's an incredible decision. That try couldn't be any more clear cut
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) February 27, 2021
*Checks who TMO is* …ah. #ITAvIRE pic.twitter.com/IbXZJ5hBhR
— Ben Coles (@bencoles_) February 27, 2021
As you can see, plenty of voices showing bewilderment at the lack of action from the officials.
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It did not hold Ireland back too much. Not long after Ireland were right back where they started and after building pressure, centre Garry Ringrose crashed over for Ireland’s first try.
The pressure pays off! ☘️
Garry Ringrose picks a great line between two defenders and stays low to burrow over the line for the try.#GuinnessSixNations #ITAvIRE pic.twitter.com/01W5S6Ov4g
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 27, 2021
And just after the half-hour mark, full-back Hugo Keenan sliced through for another Irish try and a few minutes later, flanker Will Conners (who was already having a hell of a game at the breakdown) helped himself to a score too.
The back-rower would finish the match with a brace and CJ Stander and Keith Earls would get in on the try-scoring act too. On the other side, Johan Meyer got a first-half consolation score but that was the only five-pointer the hosts could muster.
Ireland had so much momentum throughout the match… And still, the Henderson try that wasn’t was a big talking point.
There’s a word I like using when faced with the kind of incompetence shown by the referees around that Henderson try.
It’s boobery.
A display of pure boobery.#ITAvIRE— Dan Mooney (@danielmoonbags) February 27, 2021
#ITAvIRE Henderson had control of the ball when he grounded it …Sexton dismissed by referee Mathieu Raynal like I used to be my teachers at school…..
— Pirate Irwin (@pirateirwin) February 27, 2021
I whip this out every match. But here we go again. Ref and TMO looking at Henderson’s try #ITAvIRE pic.twitter.com/ZdasAucPIL
— Clare Molloy (@ClareeMolloy) February 27, 2021
Related: 2021 Six Nations referees
Henderson grounds that surely#ITAvIRE #GuinnessSixNations
— The 2nd Row (@the2ndRow) February 27, 2021
Ireland now have their first win of the 2021 Six Nations. Italy were game, but constantly fell foul of the match officials and ended up some distance off the visitors.
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