Six Nations ref delivers brutal putdown to Wales coach after on-pitch trade

On Mar 16, 2024

Wales coach Neil Jenkins had a heated trade with referee Mathieu Raynal throughout Saturday’s Six Nations conflict with Italy.

The two groups each wanted to keep away from a defeat so they’d not end backside of the desk. And Italy began the stronger facet, shortly mounting an 11-point lead inside 20 minutes.

Wales confronted a number of penalties within the first half on account of an absence of self-discipline. But Jenkins was left livid with the referee’s efficiency as he voiced his displeasure throughout a pause within the recreation.

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That led to a fiery trade between the pair when Welsh participant Elliott Dee obtained injured. Jenkins introduced water onto the sphere for his gamers and couldn’t assist however fireplace a dig at Raynal, asking: “High tackle, blue nine?”

The referee seemed taken aback and responded: “No, your job is to convey the water on.” Jenkins did not take kindly to Raynal’s comment and retorted: “Your job is to ref the sport,” experiences the Express.

Jenkins criticised the referee's decisions when he came on to hand water to the Wales players — Jenkins criticised the referee’s selections when he got here on at hand water to the Wales gamers

Italy raced into an early lead on their way to victory at the Principality Stadium — Italy raced into an early lead on their approach to victory on the Principality Stadium
(Image: Getty)

The official remained unfazed by Jenkins’ comment and reiterated that his solely responsibility was to convey the water on. Jenkins continued to argue his case, however Raynal blew his whistle and informed off the Welshman, saying: “That’s the second time you’ve spoken to me. You can’t do that again.”

Jenkins then retorted: “Blue nine, blue nine, high tackle. Our staff are saying it. Blue nine, high tackle.” Raynal by that time had had sufficient of Jenkins’ complaining and gave him one last warning.

He known as Jenkins over earlier than saying: “Come here please. That’s the last time. The next time, you cannot enter the field.”

The result condemned Wales to their first Six Nations wooden spoon in 21 years — The outcome condemned Wales to their first Six Nations picket spoon in 21 years
(Image: (Image: GETTY))

Wales suffered defeat in opposition to Italy regardless that the match was performed at their very own floor. Their late push was fended off by a resilient Italian sided, with the guests occurring to win 24-21. And it meant Italy had overwhelmed Wales twice in a row in Cardiff.

Wales’ humiliation was magnified by the very fact it was the primary time in 21 years that that they had completed final within the Six Nations, having received the match simply three years in the past. Head coach Warren Gatland will now flip his consideration to constructing on the woeful expertise forward of subsequent yr’s competitors.

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