Scotland vs France rugby controversy explained: Scots denied game-winning try following extensive TMO review

02-11-2024
3 min read
(Getty Images)

France claimed a key Guinness Six Nations victory over Scotland at Murrayfield this weekend, but it was not without controversy. 

Winning 20-16, the French team escaped a massive scare after the horn sounded, with the Scots appearing to score an 80th-minute match-winning try 

However, this try was eventually overturned following extensive review, a decision that has stirred up debate across the Rugby world.

Why was Scotland's try against France disallowed?

80 minutes of rugby had already been played when Scotland crossed over, sparking jubilation that they had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. 

Initially, the on-field official deemed that the ball had not been grounded, but the play was then sent up to the video booth, with conclusive evidence needed to overturn the call.  

What came next was an extensive TMO review, which concluded with referees ruling that the try had not counted, and that France had won the match. 

Following a painstaking process, the officials deemed there was not sufficient evidence to overturn the call, and France escaped with a four-point victory. 

After the match, Scottish player Finn Russell stated that he believed his team had done enough, but that they also needed to play more convincingly going forward. 

"For me, that was a try at the end,” Russell said on BBC One.

"That’s not for me to decide. That’s up to the referee. That’s why he has the job.

"We can’t let the referee decide what happens in a game. It’s up to us to play better and make these matches a victory. The way we got back into the game, the way I believe we scored, shows the character we’ve got. I’m proud of the boys. We will learn from it."