Should England's try have stood? Maro Itoje's late winner | Whistle Watch with Nigel Owens

[@WorldRugby]

Who will win the Six Nations? 🏉 What’s your favourite moment of Super Rugby AU so far? 🇦🇺 What makes rugby the best sport in the world? 🌍 Remember we read all of your comments so get involved down below* 👇 *never have I ever not left a comment for Nigel

[@nintendoswichguy9815]

Whales

[@khalidalmulla515]

Nigel, which tier 2 team do you think will make the tier jump next? Keep up the fantastic content!

[@WorldRugby]

@@nintendoswichguy9815 🐳

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

Wales will win the Six Nations and I think Nigel can take a little bit of credit for this. No yellow or red cards this tournament (so far 🤞) for the men in red since Nigel has been reffing Wales training games and explaining to players the letter of the law in as many situations as possible with his already established rapport and respect with the staff and players. Cheers Nige 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@morgannel4419]

I love how good the force are doing for their standard,easily couldve been 2 out of 3,but hey already one out of three games won

[@sebp3249]

Whoever thought of doing this after Nigel's retirement deserves a pay rise - keep note World Rugby.

[@WorldRugby]

☺️

[@eugenemakwena6792]

He is the best ref of all time. Seeing this side of Nigel makes him even more special lol what a character👍😅🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦💚

[@WorldRugby]

A great character for the game!

[@Macron87]

Far too keen to grandstand to get his face on camera

[@martinjb7437]

Best human ever!!! Nigel I was gutted when you said you were retiring, I thought I wouldn’t get to watch you anymore. But now I see you more than ever!!! I Love everything about you mate.

[@WorldRugby]

🥰

[@agwadadadododidi]

"If you are French, you can argue seeing it grounded. If you are English, you can argue not seeing it grounded" So the referees had no ways to clearly see the ball grounded? What says the rules about that? And especially when contesting the initial decision of the on-field referee?

[@zisssssou]

I thought that when you had no clear view of the try grounded, the doubt should go at the defence benefit. In both last cases (Itoje try and Adams try) France was victim of ref interpretations despite huge defence effort and not clear try groundings.

[@boiledegg6788]

I'm honoured!

[@WorldRugby]

🥚

[@kevdev11]

Subbed

[@boiledegg6788]

@@kevdev11 I'm not that special...

[@kevdev11]

@@boiledegg6788 still

[@ieatbananaskins7926]

Nigel is just a genuinely wholesome person

[@WorldRugby]

Agreed

[@TOMCOOZE25]

He trained at my gym few years back near where he’s from. True gentleman

[@actionjackson9385]

The shots of Itoje in this video are after the grounding. He grounds the ball as he crosses the line, before Teddy Thomas and Cameron Woki got arms under it. Spot on Joy. Plus he's in my Six Nations Fantasy Team.

[@nicolasrenon]

Thomas was definitely late, but Woki had his hands on the ball all along. Nevertheless, I think the TMO took the right decision. Blocking the ball with one hand is definitely not enough (nor realistic) to prevent a try, considering the size of the ball itself and the movement of the player.

[@keza41]

Nigel is a unique personality with his own reffing style that would be impossible for any other ref to imitate. That’s what made him a joy to watch out in the middle even though he wouldn’t want to have been the centre of attention. Thanks for the memories Nigel and I look forward to seeing more of this from you.

[@gordon1545]

Perfect example of his unique style came during Scotland v England in 2018. Scotland carried into a ruck, the ball was somehow lost, Farrell picked up and ran. Nigel pulled it back for an English hand in the ruck - maybe tackler not releasing, I'm not sure - saying that he couldn't let it go because it had slowed down Scotland getting the ball back. It was a sort-of informal advantage - he wouldn't have called the penalty advantage just for the offence on its own, only if the consequence was bad for Scotland. By making tiny decisions like this - deciding which offences actually matter and which don't - matches under him had more flow. He had that great feel for the game, the experience to know when to let the game run and the confidence to call it back even though he hadn't called advantage. That's what made him one of the greatest officials in any sport, ever.

[@Macron87]

That style was grandstanding to get his mug on TV

[@sandwormgod4771]

@@Macron87 I think you'll just have to admit you don't like his style.

[@Camcolito]

'I guess if you were French you could argue you can't see it being grounded, and if you were English you could argue you could see it being grounded' - Yes, thanks for the awesome insight Nige

[@milian5730]

I am French and I saw the ball being grounded... But some of us didnt see it

[@milian5730]

@Cos ouais

[@sandwormgod4771]

We need to see more of Nigel on TV. A great referee and a great personality. Top bloke.

[@72rmboyd]

Absolutely loving the new segments from world rugby. More please.

[@ryanhodge2980]

Hi Nigel, has a crowd ever effected your performance as a referee? And what is your favourite and least favourite ground to referee at?

[@TomBombadilLotr]

Vous êtes le meilleur arbitres du monde vous allez nous manquez Nigel j'aurais préféré vous avoir comme arbitre pour ce crunch bonne retraite 🙂🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵

[@architectwmf]

Owens is a legend. Best thing ever to happen to rugby ------ and I'm Irish!!!!!!

[@JohnWilson-qf5tk]

Wow thank you for reading out my question. That's made my day.

[@WorldRugby]

Thanks for commenting! 😃

[@ΝΖΚ]

Congrats, mate

[@joedennehy386]

I heard nigel singing on New Zealand radio a few years ago, sings like an angel, beautiful voice

[@r_c1048]

As we cant see Nigel on the pitch at least its somthing we can see him here!... I hope he keeps doing this! We love Nigel!!

[@maxjones2008]

This segment has turned into the best part of the week. Cheers Nigel.

[@twolessba1087]

are there any rules against impersonating the ref? say youre at the bottom of a ruck could you put on your best Nigel Owens impression and shout "hands away" to stop the other team poaching the ball?

[@WorldRugby]

That would be the same answer as the shoelaces question!

[@kimberlyviara18]

It doesn't count otherwise players would drop goal for whole game

[@Scotsdave]

Straight up I heard that in his accent lol

[@ctt4811]

Love this series with Nigel

[@yorkymc]

Friday Nigel and you made my day great to see and hear you oh ime Irish take care and be safe God bless

[@zb1123]

So. damned. wholesome! Love Nige, keep up the great work! Loving these weekly vids!

[@rani0575]

Hey Nigel, thank you for answering my questions. I am am bit proud of it. Ceep on going, you are the best

[@drnickriviera2841]

Fukn love nigel owens.. what a ref and a lovley man huge respect

[@howardnyika966]

Best referee to ever grace the game! I used to enjoy all matches he officiated, particularly test matches

[@relaxingsounds6539]

You are the best Nigel

[@struck2soon]

This is rapidly becoming one of my favourite weekly shows!👍

[@WorldRugby]

🙌

[@AlfieBucks]

Brilliant ref and brilliant bloke. Crack on Nigel - with whatever you're doing.

[@Erwanca]

Problem is that EVERY. TIME. this is arguable it doesn't go in France favor And this is recurent

[@stuartwhyman1]

The best part about playing France is, one doesn't have to have an awful French referee. THere was nothing arguable about this try, thankfully the TMO did a good job.

[@Erwanca]

@@stuartwhyman1 With this game last night my comment aged like a fine wine

[@Thedemonlord66]

@@stuartwhyman1 wow it sure doesn't feel pleasant to be on the wrong side of the referee decision for once huh? Since I suppose you might be English and referring to the England-Wales match. Well imagine we have to live with this most of the time ^^'

[@stuartwhyman1]

@@Erwanca the refereeing in the France Wales game, I thought was very fair. The fingers in the eye incident was dealt with according to the rules and the Reece Zammit non-try was very well managed. The rule book also says, if you can't see the ball being grounded then the try can not stand. Then the sealing off incident. A great game by the ref I thought. Make a comparison to the Wales England game with Pascal Gauzere and, think yourself lucky you never had him. Although, of course this would have worked in your favour.

[@stuartwhyman1]

@@Thedemonlord66 I've been watching rugby for a very long time and have never seen anything like the 2 incident that unfolded in that game. It was a horror show. France have never been on the receiving end of anything like this. England were diabolical in that game, but this id besides the point. The accuracy of the officials in rugby is part of the reason I love the sport. This goes for every team, I like to see a fair result. The day before that game there was an Irish Try scored and the (French) referee didn't even review it, that's just ridiculous, and there was absolutely no reason for it to have been ignored.

[@Nicklogann]

Could watch an hour long version of this weekly Nigel. Great content. You replied to an Twitter message of mine a few years back about reffing an Ulster vs Ospreys game in Belfast. Made my day. Enjoy retirement 🍺

[@reb2258]

Nigel - who's the funniest player you've ever refereed?

[@maltejonson8575]

What would happen if you score a drop goal directly from a kick-off?

[@greekfun26]

I think kick-offs are just like drop-outs, you can't score from them. So, it would probably be the same as punting between the posts, i.e. play continued.

[@bremCZ]

You can't. You can only score a dropped goal from open play.

[@stanleyoreilly1475]

Nigel loved you from the day I watched rugby My favorite moment in super rugby AU is the force and warathas clash(best match so far) I think France could win the six nations What makes rugby the best sport in the world is the talent and the way the players play and enjoy the game

[@wayne6942]

You’re an absolute star Nigel, keep up the good work 💕

[@desmondmahon6386]

Please get the great Nigel Owens to talk through why Ellis genges elbows to the head of Irish player were not viewed by the tmo or the ref on the field

[@arsenalfanmythbuster]

Nigel, what was your favorite country to referee in from a point of view of enjoying the country outside of the rugby match?

[@jonsouth1545]

I couldn't see Itoje's try being grounded but to be honest as a Wales fan I'm glad it was as it has made it mathematically a lot harder for France to win the Championship as Wales have had a bonus point in 4 of thier games

[@johnwillenbruch3958]

Re Crusaders try: I thought touching anything beyond the touch line was out and so his boot going through grass would be out, or does it have to be dirt that it touches?

[@expressoevangelism80]

A new question:- It appears that Maro was penalised for hitting the ball out of the Welsh scrum halves hands, however when French players did it to the English team twice last week there appears that there was no consequence. So please what is the ruling? Is it, if England do it then award a penalty just to keep the the averages up?

[@leemurray3540]

Nigel owens is an asolute legend. Hope hes on at least youtube for a few more years

[@melbeeswax6087]

If you had a time machine and could travel back to a different era to ref a match which teams or players would you choose?

[@daveowen7372]

Absolute legend 👏

[@anitawalker9035]

The Finest REF Ever and a great loss to the World of Rugby, The Game needs more Refs like you Nigel.

[@sebblaize5210]

I love the tribute to Nigel Owens from the Iron Maiden lads !!

[@australianlager]

Question from the Southern Hemisphere. In Reds vs Force game, Frasier McReight had a try disallowed due to him being offside at the ruck, as another player was bound on to him. What is the difference between this case and binding on for a pick and drive? And in your opinion, try/no try?

[@aussielead7737]

Enjoy this dude, clearly the best rugby ref and pretty disappointed when hearing he was retiring.

[@gordonwright996]

Love this feature! Question for Nigel: In a blowout match, did you ever find yourself "helping" the losing side by calling infractions on the winning team that you would have ignored if it was a close game?

[@thisguyhere5837]

If the margain between the ball and the try line for Itoje's try was the same as the margain between a foot and touch, you would say that man is in touch.

[@billtomlin9954]

Well as the replay clearly shows the ball touch the ground then yes.

[@profeuphorbe]

Nigel, question : a few years ago, during a match between Scarlets and Leinster, you summoned all the 30 players. Other time, other context: would you think you would organize a live on KZbin or other plateform for the whistle watch in the future to people who follow the show?

[@christycullen2355]

Nigel needs to make a comeback, the refs this year have been shambolic. Also whistle watch is my new favourite thing

[@stuartwhyman1]

IT's always a French ref that tops the pile though.

[@lukecrumpton7305]

The ref in the France Wales match was great. He and Barnsey explained everything well, and I do like how he said everything in English (for the Welsh) and French (for the French, mind blown). Although yeah. No will ever be good as out Nige.

[@stuartwhyman1]

@@lukecrumpton7305 I agree. We've had too much inaccuracy creeping in recently with some dodgy TMO decisions. What a hard game that was to officiate, other ref's who shall Romain nameless would have gone into melt down.

[@PHX787]

Nigel is so awesome!

[@keithspriggs4614]

Absolutely brilliant series. It explains the rules of rugby to the lay person. Can a penalty kick be awarded after a try and before the kick off?

[@WorldRugby]

Great question Keith!

[@graemep804]

IIRC penalties for foul play against the defending team after a try has been scored has resulted in a penalty kick on half way for the team who scored, although it's rare.

[@BobGolob]

Yeah, I am curious to see the video angle where the ball is grounded... I guess she has an amazing vision.

[@tibolloyd]

Question: If a player takes a drop goal attempt, the ball goes over the bar, yet the attacking team still catches the ball and scores a try. Can a try still be awarded, or just the 3 points?

[@MapsCharts]

Good one I've always wondered myself I think it'd be 3 points but at the same time if the ball doesn't touch the ground Idk

[@fallingwithjess8803]

The thing that makes rugby the best sport in the world is the sportsmanship! While it's always sad when we loose its nice going to the pub with everyone in the end. Well... Everyone but the English 😉

[@lee_Meehan]

You got to love Nigel.

[@dkerr8278]

Nigel I'm very sorry to correct the greatest ref ever but I'm sorry to say you have indeed said "Do you know who I am" - of sorts. "I don't know if we've ever met before but I'm the referee on this match, if I hear you shouting for anything again I'm going to be penalising you, you do your job and I'll do mine" I think that's pretty close 😃👍🏻

[@seyfr]

Yes but it is not exactly "Do you who I am", right ? T However, this punchline is one of my favorite. With "Huuu Christopher"

[@profeuphorbe]

he said he's the ref as a function, not 'I'm Nigel Owens" ;)

[@MrGibo2000]

Sorry Donald - not the same thing.

[@blackmarbles1047]

Can i just say a huge well done to TMO Joy Neville, take a bow . How refreshing to see her allowing the game to flow & not needlessly intervening & stopping play, like some other tmo;s do .She rightly left that to Andrew Brace who also had a great game .

[@leeroberts7821]

Genius. Enjoying the pod cast. Keep it up.

[@mickaelbochaca9923]

As we saw it yesterday between France and Wales, I still struggle to understand how you can see that there is a grounding "clear and obvious". Neville must have Hawk eyes

[@jayswin2]

Best referee ever...and what a nice bloke.

[@georgefoord475]

Love this series keep it up

[@patrickburns7127]

I think wales will win the grand slam with the way they have been making sudden breaks as they do not make many they will catch France off guard and the respect in rugby is 1 of the best factors for sure

[@WorldRugby]

it's all about respect 👊

[@ianriseborough4711]

You are a legend Sir ! happy retirement

[@morgannel4419]

What is your all time favourite scrumhalf-flyhalf pair? Mine is of course Fourie du Preez and Morné Steyn!!

[@thequantumgate3260]

George Gregan and Stephen Larkam for me.

[@benkronzer6209]

Nigel, how do you feel about the MLR experimental rule changes? I'm for most of them, just not the automatic 7 points if the try is under the posts

[@maverick4177]

Itoji grounded the ball as he crossed the line BEFORE the French hands got that far under it, that widely used image is long after the event!

[@thibaultrabiller5961]

As a French fan, I don’t agree on the order of the facts with you, but I think that he did ground the ball and that it is a completely valid try

[@Alsupafit]

The thing is we keep seing images without any grounding on the net... but it's grounded ? Even by looking severals times all the images out there there's no way any evidence that he did i'm sorry.. If the TMO had a clear image, where is it ? Please, let us see and apreciate a good try maybe ? And not a stollen victory... again... ! (well ok at the end i'm being sarcastic !)

[@egpx]

@@Alsupafit I was watching at the time so got to see the same video that the TMO was viewing. One angle clearly showed Itoji grounding the ball before over the line before the French defensive hands got underneath it. It was a try.

[@MantisGotSwagga]

Ball was clearly grounded. Non debate

[@niluje66]

When he's asked to comment on another ref's controversial decision, if he agrees with the ref, Nigel will say that the ref took the right decision. Otherwise, he's going to explain that it is open to interpretation et caetera ... Meaning: he thought England shouldn't have been awarded the try. ... okay, maybe that's me interpreting what he did not say, because I'm French... we'll never know.

[@boiledegg6788]

To me, I thought it was grounded before the clip. As Itoje goes down it looks like it gets grounded just on the line, maybe just over the line, then the French hands get well and truly under it.

[@yannickbaroue]

I'm French, I argue I can't see the ball being grounded 🤣🤣🤣

[@sandwormgod4771]

It only takes a small piece of the ball to be grounded. Having said that, if that was against England, I'd be saying it hadn't been clearly grounded too.

[@garmit61]

Looks similar to the disallowed Josh Adam’s try for Wales v Italy. Neither show clear grounding but imo they were both tries.

[@davepevans]

Nigel - your 'grounded' nature is 'matched' by your expertise. Too many pun(t)s I know ;). Cymru am byth! North Wales to Pennsylvania but never far away from Welsh rugby. Team of history we have here...they can really mooove. Go Wales!

[@cerr1d]

I really like these videos - whistle watch in particular is really useful s the laws change so often!

[@billy_wruyoutube7194]

Loving this series so far and who would you say was your favourite rugby team to referee

[@WorldRugby]

Interesting, who is your favourite to watch? - other than Wales 😉

[@dougsaunders8109]

I love the Iron Maiden poster

[@Hans._A._Pils]

I love this series

[@cameronfranks1546]

If the attacking team is awarded an advantage but decide there is nothing on and want to revert to the penalty, are they allowed to force the ref's hand in stopping play by committing a deliberate error in order to go back to the original penalty? For example committing a deliberate knock on while having advantage so the ref has to blow up and make a decision.

[@WillCamx]

That English try decision was ridiculous. The on field decision is no try. There was no clear evidence on the replays that it was grounded.

[@monibrehm4403]

Would there be a difference between foot in touch and hand in touch?

[@benkimbell1325]

Nigel Owens you are the person that epitomises rugby. Your a hero. Love that someone is finally explaining the rules of rugby which are about as convoluted as Donald trumps tax return.

[@whiteflame4714]

Who was a better out half? Ronan o’Gara or Jonny Wilkinson

[@wearetheend91]

Noswaith dda Nigel, Would you ever consider being a pundit? Warby in my opinion is an excellent addition to the pundits nowadays and I feel you would be an all.

[@Grumpster1971]

Nigel Owens. The greatest Welshmen to ever have walked the planet 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 😁

[@conbaz106]

Nigel - can a defending team lift a player like in a lineout/kickoff to try and stop a penalty kick from going over the crossbar?

[@barryboi7029]

Yeh and how r they supposed to reach that height as it normally goes closer to the top of the posts- say... 100 feet

[@iry.71]

Do TMO referees have the same kind of images we see when on-field referee calls for it ? Or do they have far more of it and TMO decision is based on informations we don't see as watchers ?

[@gordon_hiles]

This is a comment to the editor of the video. Great video presentation, but I do not understand the cutting to a side close up of the speaker (Nigel in this case) where he does not have eye-contact with the viewer. I think it’s untidy, disruptive, and non-constructive. I won’t add unprofessional because the rest of the video was great and very entertaining. Hope you understand my concern 🤔

[@joeboonmusic4004]

I'd be interested to know if Nigel has ever whipped out a red when he only meant to give a yellow...

[@WorldRugby]

Referee blunder 🤣

[@Tom-vu1wr]

@@WorldRugby GMs like Nigel don't make blunders

[@ninjesus4079]

show me the images where the video referee sees that there is a clear try... I am still trying to find them

[@johnthomson7717]

Hi - could you please give proper analysis on the Scotland vs Australia World Cup match 2015.... Thank you! (and yes, it still hurts)

[@tkmthehunter]

Myfavourite Ref!!

[@barryboi7029]

Even if I was a French supporter I would still think that it Emma’s a try. Maro Itoje grounded the ball over the line then was held up by Teddy Thomas. Love Nigel Owens and I’m sure everyone will miss him.

[@Harri336]

What proposed rule changes do you think have the most potential and which ones could change the game for the better?

[@matsvineyard7564]

Huge respect to you Nigel, but you can clearly see the foot in touch scuffing up dust and grass. It would make your comments easier to understand if you actually show the details.

[@bobparsons77]

Terrific looking shirt Nigel. Just love your show, keep it coming.

[@rhodrilewis237]

Yu-gi-oh Monye is quite the name Nige

[@williamrobinson9244]

WALES 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@Snookbone]

Ok

[@profeuphorbe]

I hope France wins saturday vs Wales and Scotland after to win the 6 Nations Tournament (I'm French and of course i say that). I'm sure Welsh people will disagree. That one makes rugby the best sports is respect and famous 3rd half time. I mean we're "ennemies" or opponents during 80 minutes. And after it i like to discuss with opponents supporters exchanging about he the game and have a drink with them. And Nigel, i already subscribed on the channel and activated the clock, so i haven't made a redcarded offense to you ;)

[@MapsCharts]

Déjà une étape de franchie :)

[@thethe5475]

Nigel you absolute legend my man 😂😁

[@andycollins8684]

Nigel, As a retired referee, I enjoy your little segment. However, can I suggest you refrain from using the phrase "hence why". Hence ostensibly means why, so you are saying "why, why"...