Wayne Barnes was the arbiter for this morning's test between New Zealand and Wales, and the Englishman's famed ego was on display once again. While referees do, admittedly need great strength of character to succeed, Barnes' self-belief can, at times, be over the top. This morning's test match was such an example.
The All Black's ran in a try which would likely secure victory, only for Barnes to call it back, suspecting a forward pass by Aaron Cruden. Barnes went upstairs, only to immediately overrule the decision made by the television match official. While the game often spends too long analysing replays in-game, Barnes decision to ignore the opinions of his colleague seemed hasty. Have a look below:
Barnes was abundantly clear that it was his decision, and perhaps it was the correct one. While it is obviously good to have referees unafraid to make big calls, Barnes seemed needlessly hasty in this instance.
Wayne Barnes. Expert on forward passes since '07 #NZLvWAL
— TAB Sport (@TAB_Sport) June 11, 2016
That is NOT a forward pass!?
Does Wayne Barnes understand the "momentum rule"?
It's science.#LetTheBoysPlay— Eggchasers Podcast (@RugbyPodcast) June 11, 2016
Wayne Barnes calls a controversial All Black forward pass? Never! #NZLvWAL
— Harpin' On Rugby (@HarpinOnRugby) June 11, 2016
Wrong decision by Wayne Barnes. If you applied the same criteria to scoring passes - so many tries would be disallowed.
— Will Carling (@willcarling) June 11, 2016
That, Mr Barnes, is a classic example of a referee inserting himself into the game for no damned reason.
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) June 11, 2016
When your TMO actually disagrees with you over the mic, explicitly, it's usually a sign.
— Andy McGeady (@andymcgeady) June 11, 2016
Wales put up one hell of a challenge, and led at half-time. But inevitability reigned, and the All Blacks ultimately won out 39-21.
