VERN COTTER’S SCOTLAND survived one hell of a scare against Canada, in Toronto, on Saturday. The Scots won 19-17 but were pinned in their half for the closing stages until a controversial decision went their way.
Canadian blindside Jebb Sinclair, who plays in the Premiership with London Irish, took on a ball-carry near halfway and bulldozed Scottish out-half Ruaridh Jackson. Sinclair hefted into Jackson with a strong elbow and continued on his merry way. Referee Mike Fraser initially waved play on and awarded Canada a penalty near the Scots’ 22.
However, after consulting with his touch judge, he reviewed the hit — as Jackson was helped off the field — and reversed the penalty. Scotland, with a man advantage, wound down the clock to claim victory.
Canada coach Kieran Crowley bemoaned, “Don’t know what you meant to do with your elbow in that situation when a guy gets his head on the wrong side. Don’t know what you mean to do with your elbow in that situation when a guy gets his head on the wrong side.”
Canadian international Sean White, who did not feature in the match, tweeted:
Canucks captain Tyler Ardron told Rugby Canada, “I’m sure that call is what’s going to be talked about this week. I don’t think it should have come down to that, we should have closed it out before that, it shouldn’t have made a difference. We’re going to be really disappointed.”
What do you think of the decision? Rugby play or crossing the aggression line?
