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VIDEO: Two proud captains share the lifting of the Lions trophy
Sam Warburton felt justice prevailed after he took a “shot to nothing” by questioning Romain Poite’s decision to award a late penalty which could have resulted in New Zealand consigning the British and Irish Lions to a series defeat.
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Referee Poite blew up for an offside against Ken Owens just a minute from the end of a tense third and final Test at Eden Park on Saturday soon after Owen Farrell made it 15-15 from the tee.
Lions captain Warburton asked Poite to consult the TMO and the verdict was that the decision should be downgraded, denying the All Blacks a shot at goal and the chance to snatch a 2-1 series win.
Former Wales skipper Warburton said: “I just asked the ref to check for accidental offside. It is a shot to nothing. It was worth asking the question.
“I have noticed refs have been really good to have another look. I kind of think less is more in those situations.
“Luckily he listened to my question and had a look again. It is not a penalty offence in my opinion and I am glad he had a look.”
It's a rare old sight… Kieran Read and @samwarburton_ with the joint trophy lift! #LionsNZ2017#NZLvBIL reaction?? https://t.co/gdBm0OgzWe pic.twitter.com/nDk70E1bBU
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 8, 2017
Lions head coach Warren Gatland felt that it was the tourists who should have been awarded a penalty with time running out.
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“I thought it was a penalty for us. I thought [Kieran] Read hit Liam Williams in the air.” said the New Zealander.
“The ball landed in Ken Owens’ arms. In fairness to Sam, he was able to talk the ref into an accidental offside.
“I thought a draw was a fair result.”
