Joubert did see French ground the decisive try

REFEREE Craig Joubert saw the ball grounded for France’s dramatic winning try against Scotland which knocked Ireland into second place in the RBS Six Nations Championships.

The Television Match Official, Simon McDowell (IRFU), was not asked by the South African match official whether or not the ball had been touched down by Elvis Vermeulen in the dramatic final minutes at the Stade de France.

Instead the man in the middle posed a specific question: “Is there any reason why I should not award the try?”

A refereeing source outlined the procedures in place between the officials.

“We have a process in these situations between the referee and the television match official.

“A referee can chose to ask many questions under the protocol.

“For example: ‘Can you confirm the try’ or ‘I believe there a try — is there any reason why I should not award the try?’

“That was what was asked on Saturday.”

After consideration, McDowell replied: “There is no reason why you can’t award the try — his response to the specific question.”

French out-half Beauxis added the conversion and France were crowned champions.

“The question is normally asked of a TMO when there is a driving maul that goes over the line and the referee thinks it is a try. The TMO would then look at the footage for any infringements like a knock on.

“As in the case at the weekend the referee says he has seen the grounding. But he wants to be sure that the there were no other infringements in goal.

“For the Television official there has to be a clear reason why he could not award the try. Mr McDowell did not award the try. The referee did.”

The Television Match officials also have access to a number of other camera angles which may not have been shown to the general public.

The source added: “It is important that the media understand the TMO protocol and how this is correctly used.”