Wales v England: Eddie Jones says side are ‘not allowed to debate huge decisions’

If England had shown the same rock-steady discipline on the pitch as they did in the touchline interviews, the result in Cardiff might have been very different.

Head coach Eddie Jones said “it is what it is” of two controversial first-half calls that resulted in Wales tries and contributed to a 40-24 Six Nations defeat – and the home side clinching the Triple Crown.

“We can’t argue with the referee. The result’s there and we’ve got to accept it,” he added.

“They’re huge decisions. We can’t debate it, we are not allowed to debate it. All I will end up with is a fine and that won’t help anyone.

“The dog won’t be able to eat its food, wife won’t be able to eat, so I can’t say anything.”

Captain Owen Farrell was, outwardly at least, equally philosophical after the match, but clearly upset during the game.

“There is no point in talking about it now. That is for everyone else to talk about,” he told BBC Sport.

It certainly did get supporters of both sides talking.

These were the two first-half calls that sent social media into meltdown and fans searching the rulebook small print.

15 mins – Josh Adams’ try
The first controversy came with the scored tied at 3-3.

England captain Farrell was penalised for failing to roll away from his own tackle on George North.

French referee Pascal Gauzere told him to tell his team to “change their behaviour” and said “time off” indicating that the clock was stopped.

Farrell’s team huddled around him in front of the posts, the drinks carriers came on.

Wales fly-half Dan Biggar asked Gauzere to tell him when the time was back “on” and he could take the penalty.

With England still grouped around Farrell, Gauzere blew the whistle, Biggar kicked wide and Adams claimed the ball for a try, much to England’s bewilderment.

Farrell protested to the referee but was brushed aside as the try stood.

Agencies