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England rugby won't complain over referee

Duncan BechAAP
England won't make an official complaint about Pascal Gauzere's refereeing in their defeat by Wales.
Camera IconEngland won't make an official complaint about Pascal Gauzere's refereeing in their defeat by Wales.

England have decided not to make an official complaint to global governing body World Rugby over the performance of Pascal Gauzere in Saturday's 40-24 defeat by Wales.

Gauzere awarded Wales' grand slam hopefuls two highly-dubious tries in the opening half-an-hour of the Six Nations clash at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, the first of which was particularly controversial.

Former England captain Martin Johnson described the French official's decision to allow Josh Adams' 17th-minute touch down as "appalling refereeing", while even ex-Wales skipper Sam Warburton admitted Eddie Jones' team were right to be "livid".

However, it is understood that Jones will not be making a formal complaint to World Rugby amid widespread condemnation of Gauzere's display.

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Debate also continues over whether Liam Williams' 30th-minute try was legitimate because of a likely knock-on by Louis Rees-Zammit during the build-up.

But Adams' score was more cut and dried, with England captain Owen Farrell addressing his team over their indiscipline as instructed by Gauzere, only for the referee to quickly restart play, allowing Dan Biggar to hoist the scoring cross-field kick.

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The visitors, including their wings Jonny May and Anthony Watson, had moved infield to hear Farrell speak and there were a number of water carriers still on the pitch when Gauzere blew his whistle.

A frustrated Farrell protested to Gauzere but was dismissed.

"They're huge decisions. We can't debate it, we are not allowed to debate it. All I will end up with is a fine and that won't help anyone," Jones said after the game.

"They get points maybe they don't deserve and we have to fight to get back into the game. It makes it difficult and you have to be good enough to overcome it.

"Whenever you get beaten and bettered by a penalty, then discipline is an issue. But there were bigger issues in the game than that, and I will let you discuss them."

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