Byrne: Allan and Wallace to blame

FORMER Irish hooker Shane Byrne believes Scotland’s Peter Allan effectively ended his career as an international match official after his Millennium Stadium gaffe that could have cost Ireland a Triple Crown.

But Byrne also apportioned significant blame for Ireland’s defeat firmly on substitute full-back Paddy Wallace for leaving an Irish try chance behind him which could also have career implications.

“That was not even a mistake, but (it was) a decision,” he said. “At international level you’re supposed to understand what’s going on around you and for two quick passes, two fantastic passes, to have got the ball into his hands and then for him not to realise that all he had to do was give it to Keith Earls was unforgivable.”