Andy Goode offers an interesting theory on why TMO missed Billy Vunipola's knock-on
Former England flyhalf Andy Goode has given a rather unique take on the performance of the TMO in England's win over France in the finale of the Autumn Nations Cup, and why he may have missed a crucial knock-on late in the game.
Both referee Andrew Brace - and to a lesser degree TMO Ben Whitehouse - have been the subject of criticism on social media after the game, in which many thought England got the rub of the green from the officials.
A missed knock-on by Billy Vunipola in the lead up to Luke Cowan-Dickie's crucial try was the major sticking point for a lot of French and neutral fans, as it allowed England to contest the extra sudden death which they would ultimately win.
Goode had a unique take on the matter, suggesting that the Welshman may have been taking a toilet break or eating biscuits instead of concentrating on the game.
"I think the TMO Ben Whitehouse had gone for a dump when Billy knocked this on in the lead up to the England try today to level it at the death. Either that or he was head down in the biscuit tin!" wrote Goode.
Goode, who has an argumentative relationship with French fans, paid tribute to Les Bleus 'bin juice' team. "L’equipe Francais de jus de la poubelle son’t pas mal! (The French bin juice team aren’t too bad!)"
He also had time to criticise England, who he said were 'bang average' and didn't know how to adapt in game, suggesting England coach Eddie Jones would have to tell them what to do at half time.
"Bang average from England Rugby and we need a plan B. Eddie runs an autocratic ship and the players struggle to adapt and change tact. Eddie will have to tell them what to do at half time to change this game."
Goode, who predicted a 25 point England win prior to the match, also suggested that Exeter Chiefs No.8 Sam Simmonds should be called into the team.
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Look, we know contradicting opinions and wacky comments bring readers and clicks, so well done to RP for allowing always-wrong-Ben to say something here. However RP needs to put a disclaimer next to his comments for their own credibility. NZ was and is incapable of acknowledging their opp beating them. They refused so with Ire and with Arg in 2022 and also the Boks in 2023 x 2. Nothing Ben says here holds water, NZ attacked backwards, except when Kolisi and Kolbe was off And cyncialy took out Bongi, we played without lineouts for 75mins. Kolisi and Kurt-Lee almost scored twice. Thats 3 vs 2 for Boks, but the Boks opportunities was legal. Boks should have been 16-3 up by half time. Tacticaly the Boks attacked better defended better scrummed better (without a hooker) kicked better and crossed the whitewash more times. Boks beat Fr Eng Nz to win in 23, comeon give some credit at least. Even Federer Verstappen NY Mets, Mamoa, was able to see a great human sport achievement by the Boks and their DNA Boks #RWC27 !🏉
Go to commentsForget the 85kg bit, that can become something else. However I do like the one off test on ANZAC day idea. SR plays Fri/ Sat, test players travel Sunday and the squads have the full week together before playing Saturday. Rest of SR has a week off. Either involve women's teams in same location or in the other country and rotate annually. Herbert is right in that change is needed.
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