Controversial TMO decision in Connacht win sparks online debate
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Connacht are assured of third place in Conference A and a play-off spot following a 29-22 win over Cardiff in Galway.
However, the win did come with some controversy after Cardiff Blues' winger Jason Harries was denied a try by the TMO at a crucial point in the encounter.
Harries looked to have scored just before the hour mark in the clash at the Sportsground with his side trailing 24-10.
The winger was denied the try with the TMO ruling that his hand had touched the touchline.
❌ TMO disallows this try for @cardiff_blues 🧐
Huge decision for both teams' seasons...
What do you think? 🤔#GuinnessPRO14 pic.twitter.com/r1BBD2qfwL
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) April 13, 2019
Cardiff did pick up a try 10 minutes later to cut the deficit to 7 points but a try 10 minutes earlier could have turned the game on its head.
Josh Turnball dotted down in the 70th minute with Connacht scoring an incredible try from the resulting kick off.
Harries finally got his name of the scoresheet in the 79th minute but Connacht were able to hold on for a 29-22 victory.
Twitter Reaction:
Rugby journalist Paul Williams reacted to the TMO's call saying: "I've watched this at least 50 times. It's a try"
I've watched this at least 50 times.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) April 13, 2019
It's a try. https://t.co/UfV8yJaoqy
Voters on a poll run by Premier Sports, agreed with Williams.
Let us know 👇#GuinnessPRO14
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) April 13, 2019
Looking to the law book, the TMO may have got this one wrong.
Looks like a try to me! pic.twitter.com/evHU0DJ7H0
— Owen Vachell (@OwenVachell) April 13, 2019
A closer look at the ground makes it clearer that the wrong call may have been made
His third hand? pic.twitter.com/qn3E7oODEr
— Huw Jones (@HuwJ_Ones) April 14, 2019
Even a few Connacht fans believed it was a try
Connacht fan, was at the game, 100% try BUT after some of the dodgy decisions we've had against us in Cardiff before, I'm absolutely *loving* all this whining. Schadenfreude 😂😂😂
— Kevin Crowley (@KCrowley99) April 14, 2019
The call certainly played a part in the result of the game, did the TMO make the right one? Could Cardiff have won the game if the try was scored?
Let us know what you think.