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Andy Goode offers an interesting theory on why TMO missed Billy Vunipola's knock-on
By Ian Cameron
Former England flyhalf Andy Goode has given a rather unique take on the performance of the TMO in England’s win over France in the finale of the Autumn Nations Cup, and why he may have missed a crucial knock-on late in the game.
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Both referee Andrew Brace – and to a lesser degree TMO Ben Whitehouse – have been the subject of criticism on social media after the game, in which many thought England got the rub of the green from the officials.
A missed knock-on by Billy Vunipola in the lead up to Luke Cowan-Dickie’s crucial try was the major sticking point for a lot of French and neutral fans, as it allowed England to contest the extra sudden death which they would ultimately win.
Goode had a unique take on the matter, suggesting that the Welshman may have been taking a toilet break or eating biscuits instead of concentrating on the game.
“I think the TMO Ben Whitehouse had gone for a dump when Billy knocked this on in the lead up to the England try today to level it at the death. Either that or he was head down in the biscuit tin!” wrote Goode.
I think the TMO Ben Whitehouse had gone for a dump when Billy knocked this on in the lead up to the England try today to level it at the death. Either that or he was head down in the biscuit tin! pic.twitter.com/yBKwqsHpoG
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) December 6, 2020
Goode, who has an argumentative relationship with French fans, paid tribute to Les Bleus ‘bin juice’ team. “L’equipe Francais de jus de la poubelle son’t pas mal! (The French bin juice team aren’t too bad!)”
L’equipe Francais de jus de la poubelle son’t pas mal! (The French bin juice team aren’t too bad!) #ENGvFRA
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) December 6, 2020
He also had time to criticise England, who he said were ‘bang average’ and didn’t know how to adapt in game, suggesting England coach Eddie Jones would have to tell them what to do at half time.
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“Bang average from England Rugby and we need a plan B. Eddie runs an autocratic ship and the players struggle to adapt and change tact. Eddie will have to tell them what to do at half time to change this game.”
Bang average from @EnglandRugby and we need a plan B. Eddie runs an autocratic ship and the players struggle to adapt and change tact. Eddie will have to tell them what to do at half time to change this game…..
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) December 6, 2020
Goode, who predicted a 25 point England win prior to the match, also suggested that Exeter Chiefs No.8 Sam Simmonds should be called into the team.
