What is it with Cardiff and Wayne Barnes?
It is a combination that spells trouble for Ireland and it again proved the case on Friday night, as Six Nations hopes were scuppered in the Principality Stadium.
Ireland lost 22-9 to Wales, leaving England’s second straight title in their own hands ahead of next weekend’s trip to Dublin. Beat Scotland on Saturday and the Championship will belong to Eddie Jones’ men.
However it could have been so different. Before Jamie Roberts scooped up Johnny Sexton’s blocked down clearance to seal the victory, Ireland looked nailed-on to drive their maul over the Welsh line, only to be penalised at the pivotal moment.
Robbie Henshaw was adjudged to be obstructing at the ruck, joining ahead of the ball being held by Rory Best – referee Wayne Barnes ruled that the Leinster centre was simply trying to impede Welsh defenders.
This was the English whistler’s view.
Wayne Barnes' view of Henshaw entry #WALvIRE pic.twitter.com/aBdmR89mG4
— Mikey Stafford (@me_stafford) March 10, 2017
RTÉ co-commentator Donal Lenihan described it as “technical but correct”. Needless to say, Irish fans were unhappy with the decision.
Wayne Barnes endearing himself to the Irish support again…very harsh decision on Henshaw #WALvIRE #bbcsixnations
— Michael Heal (@MHeal10) March 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/CMPrintmaking/status/840321946206294017
"Man of the Match for Wales should be Wayne Barnes" – very Irish, disgruntled, uncle 🙄😂
— Sarah (@sarahevebarton) March 10, 2017
#walvire official man of the match goes to Wayne Barnes
— Ian Kearney (@IanKearney) March 10, 2017
However, some Irish fans had no issue with Barnes’ decision.
https://twitter.com/Leinsterfanboy/status/840316873480785920
Wayne Barnes. Huge calls. Halfpenny not in touch. 5m scrum surely. Henshaw offside is a gut wrencher. #WALvIRE
— Hawkeye Sidekick (@hawkeyesidekick) March 10, 2017
