‌“We’ve been told on the pitch it was a penalty advantage,” he said. The players were unaware of it and France go down the other end and score a try. Knowing that, I think some of those bits I find confusing.”‌The England head coach's words have now been echoed by former international referee Doyle, who agreed that an explanation was due, suggesting that the change of decision went against protocol. ‌"That, for me, was the first offence — a penalty to England for obstruction was due. "There is a school of thought that a penalty try accompanied by a yellow card is a double whammy, and unnecessarily harsh," Doyle added.

Source: Daily Mirror March 17, 2026 21:33 UTC