Rules bullet dodged when Evans missed

LEINSTER’S semi-final slot was in doubt right up to the final whistle when Harlequins did everything to engineer a winning drop goal from Nick Evans. Had he succeeded, all hell could have erupted as his re-entry to the field was shrouded in controversy.

Introduced as a blood replacement for Tom Williams, there was a suggestion — with good cause it must be said — that Harlequins manufactured that situation with the aid of theatrical dye. That said, Leinster’s initial complaint was that Evans had been substituted as an injured player and therefore could not return. To referee Nigel Owens’ credit, he checked with the fourth official and asked the vital question: was Evans “a substitution or a replacement”.

It was a technical but very relevant question.