Officials admit error in moving crucial Finn Russell kick vs England

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Scotland lost 16-15 at Allianz Stadium, their first Calcutta Cup defeat in five years, with Russell’s conversion of Duhan van der Merwe ultimately proving the difference on the scoreboard.  

Reflecting on the game for the first time since his post-match press conference at Twickenham, Townsend said he had been involved in a review process, but added that was nothing out of the ordinary. 

“It’s the same process in every game,” the Scotland head coach said.  

Townsend said the retrospective admission of errors was of little consequence to Scotland (Image: SNS) “You’re allowed to put a certain amount of clips on our review portal and you get direct feedback from the referee.  

“All the head coaches have a relationship with the referee manager as well, so you can have further discussions with him, which we certainly had after the England game.  

“Whether you get the feedback that you’re looking for, that should have been a penalty, it doesn’t change anything. 

“The scoreline won’t change. It doesn’t really make it even less or more frustrating. The game has happened and we have to look at the things that we could have done better to get the win.” 

Specifically asked about Russell’s conversion, Townsend said there was an admission that the officials should not have moved the Scotland fly-half closer to the touchline as he lined up the crucial kick.  

“I think we all knew that the try was scored further infield,” he said, before offering a caveat that everyone – including coaches – make mistakes during the course of a game. 

“It happens and we can’t change history now,” the Scotland head coach added. 

The moving of Russell’s kick was not the only decision to go against Scotland in London.  There did not appear to be conclusive evidence of England wing Tommy Freeman grounding the ball for the hosts’ only try of the game, while Maro Itoje also won a controversial ruck penalty.   

Tommy Freeman’s try was awarded by Pierre Brousset – and cleared by the TMO – despite Scottish players appearing to get underneath the ball (Image: Gareth Fuller) But Townsend did not feel his co-captains, Russell and back-row Rory Darge could have done any more to influence Brousset’s decision-making at key moments.  

He added: “I don’t think it’s good for the game to have captains in referees’ faces. You’ve got to trust the referee to make the right decision.  

“The referee with the TMO, that’s a really crucial relationship now. They are the ones that have to make the decisions without captain influence and some referees will respond even more negatively if captains are constantly asking them questions.”  

Townsend also backed Russell, who has struggled from the tee so far this championship, to bounce back and confirmed the fly-half will retain the kicking duties on Saturday. 

“Finn is an excellent kicker. Last year he was the best kicker in the championship.

Finn Russell has had a very mixed Six Nations with the boot (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) “I’m sure by the end of the Six Nations his stats will be back up there with what he normally produces and delivers and has delivered for Scotland over a number of years.  

“I know he’s working hard. Yesterday he was last off the training field, probably about half an hour after the session had finished, working with Chris Paterson.

“He’s put in the work and that will get its rewards.” 

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