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.”

Byrne was angry about touch judge Allan and accepted that referee Jonathan Kaplan had been misled to an extent.

“I think the only person to be accountable 100% is the touch judge. Kaplan had to work on the information he was given, the referee has other things to be looking at. He asked the advice of Peter Allan and it was on his recommendation the try was given, whereas he should have said he wasn’t quite sure.”

Byrne has no doubt that Matthew Rees, the Welsh captain and hooker, was testing the water when he threw in the ball.

“There is no way he didn’t know that what he was doing wasn’t allowed, but rugby is all about the fact that if you don’t chance your arm then you’re not trying.

“I doubt that even they (the Welsh) thought they could get away with it, but it also reflects on us because half of the guys had their backs turned. Nobody was awake or aware.

“I know the rules state what Wales did was illegal but in an international match you’ve always got to be aware of what the opposition might do.”

A frustrated Byrne suggested the game plan was flawed in that Ireland kicked way too much too early without teasing out how to better overcome a team he described as “beatable”.

“We did not, for instance, recognise that the man who was regularly capable of making ground was Sean O’Brien, who did not get enough of ball in his hands. I also think we deviated too much from a game plan that had reaped reasonable dividends in terms of tries scored.”

Byrne remains a believer though, and is convinced Ireland will beat England and deny them the Grand Slam at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. He would also give Leo Cullen, Andrew Trimble, Fergus McFadden and Shane Jennings further exposure, stick with Peter Stringer at scrum-half, or possibly give Isaac Boss a run. But he still sees a victory on the cards.

“We all know England are playing for the Grand Slam and they have a run of solid wins. But they are no great shakes, if you stand up to them they’re beatable.”

* Shane Byrne is supporting this year’s O2 Be the Difference Campaign.