In a heart-stopping finale at Murrayfield, a contentious decision by referee Nic Berry and TMO Brian MacNeice left Scotland captain Finn Russell and head coach Gregor Townsend seething.
The drama unfolded in the dying moments with Scotland trailing 20-16, when Sam Skinner surged over the line in a bid to snatch victory for the hosts. Berry's initial call denied Scotland the try, claiming Skinner hadn't grounded the ball.
But MacNeice intervened, signalling a potential reversal after reviewing the footage. However, in a bewildering twist, MacNeice appeared to backtrack, leaving Berry to retract his decision, citing insufficient evidence.
"A dialogue between the referee and the TMO made no sense," a source close to the situation blasted, highlighting the lack of coherence in their decision-making process.
Meanwhile, fans vented their frustration, with World Rugby coming under fire for their silence in the aftermath of the controversial call.
"World Rugby's silence says everything about the decision at Murrayfield. They know it was WRONG," one fan slammed on social media, echoing the sentiment of many others.
"Silence from World Rugby. They know Scotland was robbed," commented a second.
"Now here’s the thing…if World Rugby did do that then as the last action of the game Scotland would need to be made winners in my opinion. They won’t do it though obviously," argued a supporter, highlighting the stakes involved in acknowledging the mistake and its potential impact on the match outcome.
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Highest-paid rugby players:
Breaking records and raising eyebrows, these players are leading the charge in the financial stakes of rugby union. Here's the rundown of the top earners in the game according to The Scotsman:
Siya Kolisi - £850,000
The South African skipper boasts an impressive resume with two Rugby World Cup triumphs and a commendable third-place finish. At French powerhouse Racing 92, Kolisi has been commanding a salary of £850,000, but with the recent arrival of Owen Farrell, he might be eyeing a bump in his paycheck.
Siya Kolisi, Captain of South Africa during the Test Match between New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on August 25th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Faf De Klerk - £900,000
De Klerk, another key figure in South Africa's World Cup-winning squad, has made his mark in Japan. Playing for the Yokohama Canon Eagles, he's banking a cool £900,000 annually, showcasing the global appeal of rugby's top talents.
Faf de Klerk of Sale Sharks during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks at Sandy Park on 6 March 2022. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
Cheslin Kolbe - £930,000
Known for his electric pace and dazzling footwork, Cheslin Kolbe has become a sensation in the Japanese league with Suntory Sungoliath. The South African star is raking in an impressive £930,000 per year, proving that the allure of big money knows no borders.
Cheslin Kolbe of Toulouse during the European Champions Cup Final match between La Rochelle and Toulouse at Twickenham Stadium, London on May 22 2021. - PHOTO: Micah Crook/PPAUK
Owen Farrell - £1 million +
England's talismanic former captain is set to join the million-pound club with his move to Racing 92. Already a hefty earner at Saracens, Farrell's switch to the French side is rumoured to catapult his earnings to over £1 million annually, solidifying his status as one of the game's highest-paid players.
Owen Farrell, Captain of England kicks the penalty during the Summer Nations Series Match between England and Wales at Twickenham, London on 12 Aug 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Finn Russell - £1 million +
Topping the charts is Scotland's standout playmaker, Finn Russell. With his move to Bath following the 2023 World Cup, Russell reportedly became the highest-paid rugby union player globally, boasting a salary of at least £1 million per year. However, with contenders emerging, the battle for the top spot is heating up in the world of rugby's financial elite.
Finn Russell of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Newcastle Falcons at the Recreation Ground on 14 October 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK